Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Metcalfe and Nusrat Ghani

Thursday 13th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Ms Ghani]

There is a £300 million step-free access programme. I do not recognise the hon. Gentleman’s complaint, because 73 further stations were identified in Scotland to get step-free access between 2019 and 2024.[Official Report, 17 June 2019, Vol. 662, c. 1MC.]

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

Stanford Coachworks in my constituency is a small, successful engineering business, building minibuses and luxury coaches. However, before its vehicles can be deemed roadworthy, they need to be inspected by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. At present, the availability and frequency of tests falls well below the demand, threatening the viability of the business. Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me, so that I can explain this in detail and we can see what can be done to improve the situation?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Metcalfe and Nusrat Ghani

Thursday 22nd November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to encourage more girls and people from ethnic backgrounds to pursue a career in engineering.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

My Department launched the Year of Engineering to increase the number and diversity of engineers across the UK and to address the engineering skills gap. I am indebted to my hon. Friend for his tireless work as he criss-crossed the country, working with 1,400 partners to help us to deliver 1 million experiences to young people in his role as ambassador, or envoy, for the Year of Engineering, focusing particularly on girls and people from ethnic-minority backgrounds.

[Stephen Metcalfe]

Over the past year, I have been greatly encouraged by the reaction that I have seen from young people as they come into direct contact with inspiring engineers from all backgrounds. Does my hon. Friend share my commitment to finding a way to carry on the good work of the Year of Engineering, so that we can continue to push the message that engineering is open to everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity and gender?

[Ms Ghani]

Absolutely. We are building on the legacy of this year, working with organisations ranging from Siemens, FIFA and Apple to the Science Museum, and we are committed to building on that work so that even more young people understand and appreciate the success of a career in engineering.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Metcalfe and Nusrat Ghani

Thursday 5th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

As we reach the halfway point through the Year of Engineering, will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking all those who have joined the campaign so far and encourage those who have yet to get on board to join up and make 2018 the success I know it can be?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, especially as he is the ambassador for the Year of Engineering. We are working with 1,400 companies up and down the country to create 1 million interactions to encourage young people to take STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering and maths—and become engineers of the future.