Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Matthew Pennycook

Thursday 30th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

I predicted that the hon. Lady would raise the issue of overhead line equipment. I have already met the route managing director Rob McIntosh to discuss that specific issue. He said to me that he is looking carefully at how to best improve reliability of the overhead lines, particularly during periods of high winds and heavy storms, which often cause a problem. They are looking at sites with significant gradient and reviewing vegetation management near overhead lines, track geometry and the reliability of system tension during periods of high winds.

[Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab)]

Despite all the investment in maintenance, passengers in south-east London who use Southeastern services desperately need investment in rolling stock to deal with the serious overcrowding on the line. Will the Minister tell the House whether he is looking favourably on the revised bid that Southeastern has put forward?

[Paul Maynard]

I am sure the hon. Gentleman has already noticed our consultation on the future of the Southeastern franchise, which was released last week and clearly puts capacity front and centre. He is right to point out that we received a proposal from Southeastern, as a result of a personal request from me to the parent company for it to come up with better ideas. We have had it for a week now, and are looking carefully to make sure that it at all makes sense and adds up. I hope that those carriages will be hitting the network as soon as possible.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Maynard and Matthew Pennycook

Thursday 12th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Paul Maynard]

I return to how I started my answer and remind the hon. Gentleman that we had a lengthy discussion about what was contained in the Smith commission. This did not emerge from that commission, so we are not taking it forward.

[Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab)]

2. What plans he has to improve services for passengers on Southeastern rail.