Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Martin Vickers and Brandon Lewis
Brandon Lewis
I have not heard anything further from the authority since I met the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues some weeks ago.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)
The planning Minister is well aware of the problems in North East Lincolnshire council with delays in producing a local plan, and last week it lost yet another appeal, imposing unwanted development on the village of Humberston. Will the Minister meet me and representatives from the council to see what can be done to overcome my constituents’ concerns?
Rural Bus Services
Debate between Martin Vickers and Brandon Lewis(13 years, 1 month ago)
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Brandon Lewis
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. I agree that we can do more to look at alternative forms of transport and how they can be funded. If he bears with me, I will come to that in a few minutes, but I absolutely agree with the principle of what he says.
In rural areas, public transport is a lifeline. Equally, however, the problem for local authorities and bus companies is that they have to make an economic case; they have to do the best they can with taxpayers’ money to ensure that it is properly invested. As private companies, bus companies also have to look after their financial interests.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)
My hon. Friend makes some compelling points, and my county of Lincolnshire, which is very rural, also suffers from the circumstances he describes. However, does he agree that bus companies—there are exceptions—too often follow Government or council grants, rather than try to stimulate their own services or provide services based on commercial needs?