Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Mills Excerpts
Thursday 29th October 2015

(9 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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My hon. Friend is right about what we need to do. Farnworth tunnel has had problems but it has now been completed, and that will help to increase capacity on the line. The changes and increased capacity that my hon. Friend rightly wants for his area will take place, and I pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly on the Farnworth tunnel, which is now running on time.

Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)
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I welcome the unpausing of work on electrifying the Midland mainline. As most of that work will slip into the next control period, will the Secretary of State ensure that the line through Langley Mill and Atherton is also electrified? That project has a robust business case and will improve the resilience of the whole line and services to my constituency.

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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As a member of the Public Accounts Committee, my hon. Friend heard evidence a few weeks ago from the chief executive of Network Rail. His point about looking at all the lines as a total is important, and I will bear his comments in mind.