West Coast Main Line

Debate between Brian Binley and Lord McLoughlin

Monday 29th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am not sure who wrote “How to be a Minister”, but the right hon. Gentleman might like to inform me privately afterwards. I refer him to Sam Laidlaw’s letter, which I mentioned earlier. The fact is that this is an interim report and nowhere does it criticise Ministers.

[Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con)]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s willingness to update us on the continuity of service on the west coast main line once the current franchise expires on 9 December. Has he noted recent reports suggesting that capacity could be reached well before 2026, undermining continuity of service? Consequently, will he bring forward plans for HS2, even though he said he would not talk about them today?

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am interested in the representation my hon. Friend has made, but perhaps we could leave it at that.

West Coast Main Line

Debate between Brian Binley and Lord McLoughlin

Monday 15th October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am not sure, Mr Speaker, whether that was a question or a statement.

[Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State give a firm undertaking that none of the costs involved in this incident will be passed on to hard-pressed consumers on the west coast main line? Furthermore, will he reassure the siren voices calling for the scrapping of HS2 that that line is absolutely necessary because the west coast main line is under such pressure that it reaches capacity in a very short period?

[Mr McLoughlin]

What I would like to say to my hon. Friend is yes and yes.