Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Tugendhat Excerpts
Thursday 14th February 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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I have already told Heathrow airport that, while the detail of the decisions is a matter for them, I would certainly want to see a proper spread across all parts of the United Kingdom.

None Portrait Hon. Members
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Ah!

Tom Tugendhat Portrait Tom Tugendhat
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While we are thinking about unfortunate absences, will you join me, Mr Speaker, in thanking the Tonbridge line’s commuters for highlighting the problem of ghost trains on the Tonbridge to Redhill line? On 30 December, 36 trains were advertised but only 12 ran. Could the Minister possibly do something to ensure that the train operating companies actually run the trains that they advertise?

Andrew Jones Portrait Andrew Jones
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The Department monitors performance on a daily basis, and there is a range of actions that we can take when performance falls below agreed levels. I understand that performance on the Redhill to Tonbridge line has been impacted by various things, including speed restrictions, but I am able to tell my hon. Friend that performance on the line has been much improved since the start of the year, with 90% of services now arriving within five minutes of schedule.