Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the wait time for Category C + E driving tests.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is supporting the Government’s wider plans to address the shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers and conduct more HGV driving tests.
Since vocational testing restarted, following the easing of restrictions, the DVSA has been making available an average of 3,000 practical vocational test slots each week; this compares to 2,000 tests pre-pandemic.
The DVSA is asking all those qualified to conduct vocational tests, but who do not do so as part of their current day job, to return to conducting tests, offering a national recovery allowance and annual leave buy back to examiners, and conducting out of hours testing (such as on public holidays and weekends).
Following a public consultation, the Government is implementing a number of measures to significantly boost HGV driving test availability by:
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to publish their aviation strategy; and whether this strategy will include plans (1) to integrate (a) air, (b) rail, and (c) highway, networks, and ports, and (2) to support the aviation sector in its recovery as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Government is currently developing a future strategic framework for aviation which will be broad in scope and take account of the future challenges the sector faces. This will be published later this year.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific assistance they intend to provide to ferry industries to (1) ensure there is a sustainable ferry industry in the longer-term, and (2) safeguard security of supply of medicines, foods and other vital imported goods during the current COVID-19 pandemic. [T]
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The Government is engaging regularly with the maritime sector, including on issues related to its long-term recovery. To support companies through these challenging times the Government announced an unprecedent package of financial measures worth £350 billion. As part of that, a full range of support schemes has been made available to UK businesses and my department is working closely with maritime operators to consider how these measures can apply to them.
In addition, on 24 April we announced a package of funding to support lifeline services and critical freight routes. This includes up to £10.5m for lifeline services to the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight, up to £17m for critical freight routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and support for up to 26 critical freight routes between Great Britain and mainland Europe.
We will continue to work closely with industry to monitor the implementation of these measures to continue these vital services.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any interest from (1) local authorities, (2) other public bodies, and (3) private sector organisations in providing funding to a national cycle network; and what is the geographical spread of such interested parties.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
A review of the National Cycle Network is currently under way, led by Sustrans but supported by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations. The review is also considering a wide range of funding sources and how to draw on them. It is for Local Authorities to decide on priorities for local transport investment, including on appropriate sections of the National Cycle Network.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to appoint a successor to David Prout as Director General of the HS2 Group; and what the selection process will be.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The recruitment and selection process for the Director General for High Speed Rail Group will be agreed following the appointment of the new Permanent Secretary, which is expected to be announced by late April 2017.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the growth potential of Birmingham International Airport.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The government recognises the important contribution that airports across the UK make. The government made clear in its Aviation Policy Framework, that regional airports make a vital contribution to the growth and recovery of regional and local economies and their role in helping to accommodate wider forecast growth in demand for aviation in the UK. Birmingham Airport completed an extension to its runway in 2014 to encourage operation of larger aircraft flying to more long-haul destinations.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the impact of the resignation of Mr Simon Kirby as Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd on the delivery of phase 1 of the HS2 project on time and to budget.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Government is committed to delivering HS2 which remains absolutely on track with strong cross-Party support. There are no plans to change the project. HS2 is on time and on budget and construction will start next year.
Asked by: Lord Allen of Kensington (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to appoint a new Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The process of identifying and appointing a successor Chief Executive will begin immediately.