Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(7 years, 10 months ago)
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Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
T9. I have previously highlighted the predicted 45,000 shortage of HGV drivers in the UK. That is only going to get worse after Brexit because many agencies already rely on EU citizens to supply HGV drivers. When will the Government commit to looking at the cost benefits of providing grants for companies to put people who are unemployed through HGV training?
Mr McLoughlin
I have had discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on these matters, as far as training is concerned, and we are looking across at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, too, to assess what can be done to move this issue forward. There are good opportunities for young people to become drivers, and I would encourage them to look at those opportunities.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(8 years ago)
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Mr Speaker
I call Alan Brown, who I do not think will refer to Heathrow as his local airport.
Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
It is not, Mr Speaker, but this decision could impact on Scottish airports.
To return to the Secretary of State’s earlier comments, I think that the Government should provide a running commentary on what they are doing about this important decision. Will he state clearly what additional work is being done to refine considerations on air quality and noise? When will that work be completed, and what else needs to be done for the Government to come to a decision?
Mr McLoughlin
I am afraid that I disagree with the hon. Gentleman about providing a running commentary, for the reasons that I gave in my earlier answers. That work is being done, and I hope soon to inform the House of the Government’s recommendations.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(8 years, 1 month ago)
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Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
T4. With an estimated skills gap of some 50,000 HGV drivers predicted by the end of this Parliament, does the Minister agree that it would make sense for the Government to contribute towards the £3,500 training fee required for licences? Not only would that help to plug the skills gap, but it would mean more people working and paying tax, and it would reduce welfare.
Mr McLoughlin
I am looking at various options to help with this issue, along with other Departments. It is also for the industry to step up to the mark in its training programme.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(8 years, 3 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
Yes, but the new franchising could lead to more passengers on that track and the problem might grow. I am very pleased with the investment taking place in and around my hon. Friend’s constituency, not least the work on the Farnworth tunnel, which will increase the capacity and availability of electric trains to eventually serve his constituency.
Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
Will the Secretary of State learn from the Scottish Government on franchising? As well as new trains and capacity, will he get commitments for the real living wage for all staff and subcontractors, new apprenticeships, no compulsory redundancies and, importantly, an end to toilets being emptied on to railway tracks?
Mr McLoughlin
I trust that the Scottish Government are learning from what the UK Government have managed to achieve in the franchises we have let. A lot of the policies that are being followed by the Scottish Government are based on policies that we have implemented.
Airports Capacity
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(8 years, 4 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
As I have said to the House, I think it is very important that we stick to the timetable of Sir Howard Davies’s report, and that is having extra capacity available by 2030. I will want to follow that timetable.
Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
In order to demonstrate that this is not a political fudge, can the Secretary of State clearly state what additional work is going to be undertaken to refine and reassess air quality and noise considerations, who is going to do that work, who is going to assess it, and how the final decision is going to be made? Lastly, as a Scotsman, can I just ask the Secretary of State please to explain exactly at what time of year is summer? I would also point out that not once today has the Secretary of State said in which year—which summer—he is going to report, so can he pin down the year, or is that another fudge?
Mr McLoughlin
To try to reassure the hon. Gentleman, who is yet another Scottish nationalist to get up but not to say which option he supports, let me point out that what I have said and been clear about is that we will stick to the timetable that gives the extra capacity that is needed by 2030.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Alan Brown(8 years, 4 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
In the interests of crispness and brevity, the answer to my right hon. Friend’s question is yes.
Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)
The Secretary of State will be aware that under the current proposals for HS2, although the overall journey time to Scotland will be reduced, the journey time north of Crewe to Scotland will actually increase, owing to changes in the stock used. Will he therefore commit to bringing forward a definitive timetable for the proposed further upgrade works discussed with the Scottish Government for north of Crewe?