Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Penning and Brian H. Donohoe

Thursday 23rd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mike Penning]

We have a commitment to bringing in lorry road user charging to level the playing field. It is important, however, that we do not penalise our own truckers with whatever scheme we bring in. We are in ongoing negotiations with the Treasury and we are committed to introducing a scheme in this Parliament.

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

The Secretary of State will no doubt have seen the reports in yesterday’s newspapers about Willie Walsh of British Airways having suggested that as a consequence of the fact that a third runway will not be built in the south-east at Heathrow, he will increase BA’s business in Madrid. Is that not rather ironic?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mike Penning and Brian H. Donohoe

Thursday 10th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mike Penning]

We welcome that project, and I understand that there are proposals for an extension, for which I am sure that the local authority will bid to the local sustainable transport fund for funding.

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

Of course, it is not possible for me to come here from my constituency on a bike—although many of my constituents believe that I should, on the basis of the recent exposure of expenses. One area of concern is the number of potholes on the roads. What is being done about potholes, because everybody knows that they are a major problem, given the recent climatic conditions?

[Mike Penning]

Local authorities are doing their best to deal with potholes. We will announce at least an additional £100 million to help local authorities to fill potholes.