Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Kevin Foster and Claire Perry(9 years, 2 months ago)
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Claire Perry
I am afraid I dispute the statement that funding has been cut in half. The first phase of the programme—£400 million—was delivered, but I am always keen to look at cost-effective ways to improve access for disabled people and young mothers with buggies, for whom a flight of stairs, as I know, and dads like the hon. Gentleman with his daughter know, can be a real problem. I am happy to meet further to discuss.
Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con)
Residents in Torbay have welcomed some of the investment that we have seen to improve Torquay station, but Paignton station is a relic of the Beeching era. It is the old goods shed, which was converted into a station. Will she meet me and a delegation from the bay to discuss how we can make Paignton a terminus for the 21st century?
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Kevin Foster and Claire Perry(9 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con)
13. What progress his Department has made on upgrading and enhancing the railway in the south-west.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Claire Perry)
We are making significant progress in upgrading and enhancing the railway in the south-west by investing in track and stations, upgrading and delivering new trains to carry more people on faster journeys, and, as we heard earlier, improving resilience to ensure that the region can stay connected.
Kevin Foster
The Devon and Cornwall peninsula rail task force recently published its interim report on a 20-year plan for Devon and Cornwall’s railways. Can the Minister confirm that the Government’s primary aim is to secure the resilience of the Great Western main line through south Devon, and that any other options that are considered will be additional measures, not alternatives?
Claire Perry
I have the report here, I have read it, and I am happy to confirm that the other options would indeed be alternatives, not replacements.