Oral Answers to Questions

Sam Tarry Excerpts

Thursday 30th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

The Government are spending a huge amount of money on improving the infrastructure in the north. My hon. Friend will see lots of improvements in the Bradford area and the area he represents. On HS2 and the various other bits of infrastructure, it is not an either/or: they are additional investments that we are making in infrastructure.

[Sam Tarry (Ilford South) (Lab)]

9. What recent assessment he has made of the financial effect on people living in London of delays in Crossrail. [R]

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Paul Maynard)]

No recent assessment has been made of the financial effect on individuals as a result of the delays to Crossrail.

[Sam Tarry]

I thank the Minister for his answer. I wish quickly to bring the House’s attention to my declaration of interests. With four Crossrail stations in Ilford South and the huge economic growth potential not just across Ilford but across the whole of London, does the Minister agree that it was utterly mad to get rid of the operating grant of £900 million year on year that has crippled Transport for London? In fact, this is an example not just of another failed project by the Department for Transport, but of a Government in crisis over the delivery of any infrastructure project. Will he commit to restoring that grant and restoring London—

[Mr Speaker]

Too long!