Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what rolling stock is earmarked to replace pacer units on Northern Rail lines.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Government is clear that Pacer units will be replaced in the new Northern franchise. The details of how this will be implemented are being considered as part of the specification for the future franchise, which will be published early in the New Year. We expect that the rolling stock used for the Pacer replacement will be a matter for bidders for the future Northern franchise to address in their bids.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the pacer trains on the Calder Valley line will be replaced.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Government is clear that Pacer units will be replaced in the new Northern franchise. The details of how this will be implemented are being considered as part of the specification for the future franchise, which will be published early in the New Year. We expect that the rolling stock used for the Pacer replacement will be a matter for bidders for the future Northern franchise to address in their bids.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when a decision will be made on the next Northern Rail Franchise.
Answered by Claire Perry
The Department for Transport is currently considering the responses to the joint public consultation with Rail North which concluded on 18 August. An announcement about the franchise will be made shortly.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the target date is for the electrification of the Calder Valley route through Halifax.
Answered by Claire Perry
Currently no timescale exists for the electrification of the Calder Valley route through Halifax. The scheme is one of a number which are being considered by the joint Task Force of northern MPs and council leaders set up to explore future electrification in the North.
This group is expected to provide the Transport Secretary with an interim report in February 2015 setting out its recommended priorities for scheme development in future rail funding Control Periods from 2019.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many rail (a) guards, (b) maintenance and (c) catering jobs will be created on the (i) Great Western and (ii) East Coast Main Lines as a result of the procurement of new rolling stock through the Intercity Express Programme.
Answered by Claire Perry
This will be a matter for the train operators on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to ensure that the fleet of trains his Department has procured through the Intercity Express Programme for service on the (a) Great Western and (b) East Coast Main Lines are fitted with the full catering provision of galley kitchen, restaurant service, at-seat first class service with meals cooked on board, re-generated meals served at-seat, buffet and trolley service.
Answered by Claire Perry
The train operators have been fully engaged in the design of the Intercity Express Programme trains and will chose the catering solutions that they feel best suits their customer needs.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the likely effect on rail (a) guards, (b) maintenance and (c) catering jobs from the introduction of the Intercity Express Programme fleet on the (i) Great Western and (ii) East Coast Main Lines.
Answered by Claire Perry
Decisions on staffing arrangements on the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines are a matter for the Train Operating Company (TOC) and Hitachi.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what reasons his Department specified only two of the four available levels of catering provision for the mock-ups of Intercity Express Programme train sets inspected by bidders and others stakeholders.
Answered by Claire Perry
The two levels of catering specified by the Department for Transport were those chosen by the train operators who are closest to their customers requirements. The train operators continue to be fully engaged in the design of the train.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on road safety through driver distraction of inbuilt, in-car infotainment systems; and what plans he has to regulate the use of such systems.
Answered by Robert Goodwill
Rules 148–150 of The Official Highway Code advises drivers to avoid distractions. The rules make it clear that drivers must exercise proper control of their vehicle.
It has been illegal since the 1980s to view a screen whilst driving, unless that screen is displaying driving information.
Under sections 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 a person may be charged with the offences of dangerous, careless and inconsiderate driving.
My officials recently met with a major ‘infotainment’ provider who were anxious not to pose a road safety risk through the use of their systems. They are considering technical options to allow it to be used in accordance with the law.
Asked by: Linda Riordan (Labour (Co-op) - Halifax)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he discussed the extradition proceedings of Raymond Varley on his recent trip to India; and if he will continue to monitor the case.
Answered by Karen Bradley
The Home Secretary has not made any recent trips to India. Raymond Varley’s
discharge was ordered by the District Judge sitting at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service, which represents the Government of India in the
court proceedings, is appealing against that decision. The appeal is due to be
heard on 10 October 2014. UK Ministers have no involvement in the court proceedings
and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.