Wednesday 13th July 2011

(13 years, 4 months ago)

Westminster Hall
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Susan Elan Jones Portrait Susan Elan Jones
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend speaks with considerable expertise in this area and I am grateful for her intervention.

Indirectly, HSl enabled the delivery of three major development schemes, in Ebbsfleet, Stratford and King’s Cross, which are all areas in need of regeneration. Some 15,000 homes and 70,000 jobs were created. The project delivered £3.8 billion of transport benefits, which, combined with the operating surplus, offsets the whole project cost.

Independent reports found, in conclusion, the following:

“it is clear that overall the scheme represents high value for money”.

Karen Lumley Portrait Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)
- Hansard - -

Does the hon. Lady agree that the project will provide wider access to Birmingham airport, with a journey time of just 49 minutes? That will ease congestion in the London area and make Birmingham and the west midlands more attractive.

Susan Elan Jones Portrait Susan Elan Jones
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I certainly agree with the hon. Lady. The project will also make her journeys to Wrexham quicker, which I believe is her old home.