Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on transparency of public bodies of the decision to permit HS2 Ltd to enter into non-disclosure agreements with local authorities.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson
The use of confidentiality agreements is a matter for HS2 Ltd and its counter signatory. HS2 Ltd sign these agreements to ensure that it can continue to work with businesses, communities and councils on issues that are sensitive. These agreements are voluntary and enable conversations about options under consideration to take place in a way that protects the commercial interests of both parties. The Government has committed HS2 Ltd to publishing the cumulative number of confidentiality agreements it has signed in its Annual Report & Accounts.
Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department agreed to allow non-disclosure agreements between (a) HS2 Ltd and local authorities, (b) HS2 and The National Trust and (c) HS2 Ltd and the Canal and River Trust.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson
The use of confidentiality agreements is a matter for HS2 Ltd and its counter signatory. HS2 Ltd sign these agreements to ensure it can continue to work with businesses, communities and councils on sensitive issues. These agreements are voluntary and enable conversations about options under consideration to take place in a way that protects the commercial interests of both parties. The Government has committed HS2 Ltd to publishing the cumulative number of confidentiality agreements it has signed in its Annual Report & Accounts.
Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reasons there are no direct Northern rail services between Liverpool and Newcastle.
Answered by Andrew Jones
TransPennine Express provides an hourly service between these cities which will soon be operated by brand new 125mph-capable intercity bi-mode trains.
There is no requirement in the current Northern franchise agreement for Northern to run direct services from Liverpool to Newcastle.
Asked by: Esther McVey (Conservative - Tatton)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding from the public purse has been allocated to his Department for financial year 2018-19 for planning for the UK leaving the EU without a deal; and how much of that funding has been spent.
Answered by Lord Grayling
My Department was allocated up to £76.8m for EU Exit preparations in this financial year for all scenarios. £15.8m of this funding has been spent.