Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hammond and Peter Aldous

Thursday 27th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Hammond]

The Government made an initial assessment of the possibility of introducing trials of 80 mph limits, but it is not a priority. What is a priority for this Government is the transformational investment that is delivering growth and road safety. Yesterday’s announcement by the Chancellor will give us the means to deliver that transformational change.

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

4. What progress he is making on funding the refurbishment of railway stations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hammond and Peter Aldous

Thursday 17th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

11. What assessment his Department has made of the role of the private sector in the UK's railways.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Stephen Hammond)]

Since privatisation, the number of passenger miles travelled has nearly doubled. Rail freight has increased by over 60%, the level of passenger satisfaction has risen by 10% in the last decade, and the level of punctuality has risen by nearly 14 %.

[Peter Aldous]

The delay in tendering for new longer rail franchises is holding back much-needed private sector investment in trains in East Anglia. Will the Government consider the proposals that have been drawn up to fast-track the provision of those urgently required new and upgraded trains?

[Stephen Hammond]

The Government commissioned Lord Brown to advise on the future of franchising. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said earlier, his report has now been published, and the Government are looking at it. I understand that proposals have indeed been drawn up, and the Government will happily consider those proposals. I suggest that my hon. Friend should try to meet my right hon. Friend the Minister of State at the eastern rail summit, which will be held in the spring.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hammond and Peter Aldous

Thursday 18th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Hammond]

My right hon. Friend knows that the second high-level output specification package—HLOS 2 —commits Network Rail to providing extra capacity to meet peak demand in that area. Part of that will be done by having new trains between London, Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge, and another part is sorting out the capacity constraints south of Broxbourne, which will help his constituents. I would of course be delighted if he joined the meeting.

[Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)]

5. What funding he has allocated to improve railway stations.