Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Burns and Andrew Stephenson

Thursday 18th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

1. What assessment he has made of the potential for reintroducing the Colne to Skipton rail link.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Mr Simon Burns)]

The Department for Transport has not made an independent assessment of the economic benefits arising from reopening the Skipton to Colne line. Where local travel needs are the central objective, we look to the local authorities concerned to take the first step in evaluating benefits and prioritising available resources.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I hope the Minister has seen my early-day motion 479, setting out the work of the Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership campaign group, which is fighting for the line to be reopened. Will he meet with me and representatives of SELRAP to discuss the huge potential benefits of reopening the line?

[Mr Burns]

I hope my hon. Friend is reassured when I say that I have seen and read early-day motion 479. I am more than happy to meet with him and, if he agrees, I think it would be sensible to meet with the relevant local authorities as well.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Burns and Andrew Stephenson

Tuesday 7th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

4. What recent representations he has received on management and administration costs in the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns)]

Administration costs across the health sector will reduce by a third in real terms over the spending review period. That is a £1.4 billion cash reduction and a £1.9 billion real-terms reduction, from a baseline of £5.1 billion. Every penny of the savings will be reinvested in front-line services.

[Andrew Stephenson]

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Will he give me and my constituents examples of how the billions that are saved will make a difference on the front line when invested in patient care?

[Mr Burns]

I am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend and I will certainly give such examples. Every penny that is saved by cutting excessive management and bureaucracy will be spent on providing health care and drugs for his and other hon. Members’ constituents, and on ensuring that we have proper front-line services that provide the best quality care for all the people of England.