Asked by: Lord Beecham (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they were consulted by London North Eastern Railway in relation to changes in the system of off-peak return tickets which have increased fares on the East Coast line.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
As announced in August 2019, DfT is supporting LNER’s trials from January 2020 of a new fare system designed to make travelling on trains simpler and clearer. All return tickets will be removed on trial routes from London to Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh, and in their place passengers will be able to purchase anytime, advance and cheaper super off-peak single fares. People making return journeys can now better mix and match tickets to suit their needs.
Asked by: Lord Beecham (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capability of the Civil Aviation Authority to (1) ensure the issuing of accurate pilot licences, (2) oversee flight training organisations, (3) implement safety activities required by the European Aviation Safety Authority, and (4) otherwise deliver effective safety oversight of aviation; and what representations they have received in the last year about those matters from the air safety regulator.
Answered by Lord Callanan - Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has one of the best air safety records in the world, and the Civil Aviation Authority is subject to independent safety audits by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Aviation Safety Agency. The results of these audits show that the CAA is performing its regulatory functions in accordance with international standards and European requirements.
We have not received any representations from the CAA on this issue.
Asked by: Lord Beecham (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which elements of the future surface transport needs required for the proposed third runway at Heathrow would be state funded or guaranteed.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Heathrow Airport Limited, will meet the cost of the surface access improvements necessary to allow expansion of the airport, including re-alignment of the M25, the A4 and A3044, as well as airport and terminal access roads.
Where projects have wider beneficiaries, such as Western Rail Access and Southern Rail Access, the Government will expect Heathrow to fund an appropriate proportion of the costs based on the direct benefits for the airport.
Asked by: Lord Beecham (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to minimise the risk to aircraft from the use of drones, and whether those steps include a system of registration of ownership.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Drones are becoming increasingly popular and have the potential to bring significant economic benefits, but it is vital that they are operated safely, in a way that does not put members of the public and other aircraft at risk. There are existing regulations in place that require users of drones to maintain direct, unaided visual contact with their vehicle and to not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property. Work is underway to better understand the level of risk posed by flying drones close to commercial planes. We are talking to both the Civil Aviation Authority and airports to find technical solutions to the problems around airport, these include mandated geo-fencing or frequency jammers.
The department is leading efforts with international bodies to develop a stringent regulatory framework focusing on safety. We are currently undertaking public dialogues ahead of a public consultation which will help to inform a government strategy to be published this year. The consultation will look at a range of options including regulation, registration and licensing options and a database to increase transparency on the use of drones for the general public.
The Civil Aviation Authority is undertaking activities to raise awareness of the basic safety requirements, including an ongoing ‘Dronecode’ safety awareness campaign, issuing safety leaflets at the point of sale, publishing an animated video on their website, and running ‘small UAS’ Risk and Hazard workshops with industry as part of the Mid Air Collision Programme.
Asked by: Lord Beecham (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision, if any, will be made in the contract for the East Coast rail franchise to ensure that all profits accruing to the franchisees are subject to United Kingdom taxes.
Answered by Baroness Kramer - Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Treasury and Economy)
Inter City Railways Limited is a company registered in England and Wales and thus subject to relevant tax obligations. They are purchasing East Coast Main Line Limited as part of this franchise, which is also registered in England and Wales and compliant with relevant tax obligations. In addition, the Franchise Agreement includes provisions to monitor tax compliance during the life of the franchise.