Oral Answers to Questions

Nicholas Dakin Excerpts

Thursday 11th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

15. What recent assessment he has made of progress in implementing Network Rail’s investment programme.

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

17. What recent assessment he has made of progress in implementing Network Rail’s investment programme.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr McLoughlin]

I do not want to see any downgrading of our electrification programme. In the last five years we electrified some 50 miles, which compares favourably with the 10 miles managed in the 13 years of the last Labour Government. The electrification programme is a very big and ambitious programme and I want to see it delivered.

[Nic Dakin]

Any delays to the Network Rail infrastructure programme are a concern to those in the rail supply chain, including Tata Steel in Scunthorpe. Does the Secretary of State agree that essential track maintenance and renewal must go ahead in a way that does not affect the supply chain and threaten jobs?

[Mr McLoughlin]

The enhancement of the railways is important for the supply sector, but it is also important that that sector is competitive and provides Network Rail with competitive rates. We are all keen to see that. I point out to the hon. Gentleman that there will be a £39 billion programme of rail investment over the next five years. We are also looking at investment in High Speed 2 and, so far as railway track is concerned, we are looking at investment in Crossrail, too.