Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts
Thursday 30th January 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Liam Byrne Portrait Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

If the Minister is prepared genuinely to think about rail devolution, will he think not just about Southeastern but about West Midlands trains as well? Some 40% of trains were not on time last month and 2,000 services were cancelled. The police and crime commissioner has had to convene hearings because the Mayor has failed to get a grip. It is not an acceptable standard of service. We want local rail devolution and we want it now.

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

Order. Unfortunately, the question is on Southeastern railways and is not really connected to Birmingham. If the Minister could pick something out that would address that, I would be grateful.

Chris Heaton-Harris Portrait Chris Heaton-Harris
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I must say that Andy Street is an excellent Mayor for Birmingham and I hope he is re-elected.

--- Later in debate ---
Sam Tarry Portrait Sam Tarry
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I thank the Minister for his answer. I wish quickly to bring the House’s attention to my declaration of interests. With four Crossrail stations in Ilford South and the huge economic growth potential not just across Ilford but across the whole of London, does the Minister agree that it was utterly mad to get rid of the operating grant of £900 million year on year that has crippled Transport for London? In fact, this is an example not just of another failed project by the Department for Transport, but of a Government in crisis over the delivery of any infrastructure project. Will he commit to restoring that grant and restoring London—

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

Too long!

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

We should be a little cautious as the Department co-sponsors projects with TfL and works very closely with the Mayor of London, with TfL and with Heidi Alexander, who are very keen to see this project brought to a speedy conclusion for the benefit of all Londoners.

--- Later in debate ---
Joy Morrissey Portrait Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

On infrastructure and paying in, we in Iver in Beaconsfield receive very little money for transport infrastructure. We would love to see our footpaths and our roads used, but we simply do not have the money coming in from bodies such as TfL. Will the Minister look into expanding investment in places like Iver, so that we can have an Iver relief road and actually get the south of Bucks moving again?

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

May I advise Members that their questions should be linked to the main question? If a certain area is specified, your questions are meant to be about that area. You cannot just have a free for all. Minister, if you can pick something out of that, please do so.

George Freeman Portrait George Freeman
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

At a stretch, Mr Speaker, I think that Buckinghamshire touches the east-west corridor. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to look at a place-based solution for sustainable housing and transport.

--- Later in debate ---
None Portrait Several hon. Members rose—
- Hansard -

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

I am sorry, but we must move on.

Feryal Clark Portrait Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

11. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the number of journeys taken by (a) foot and (b) bicycle.

Feryal Clark Portrait Feryal Clark
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The Minister will be aware that transport accounts for a higher share of overall emissions than any other sector, so helping people to drive less and cycle more is crucial to tackling the climate crisis. We currently spent £7 per head on cycling infrastructure, but the Walking and Cycling Alliance recommends that we should be spending £17 per head on cycling infrastructure if we are serious about improving cycling. He will be aware that the Conservatives’ pledge to spend £350 million on cycling infrastructure actually reduced that spend to £1.18—[Interruption.]

Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
- Hansard - -

Order. I call the Minister.

George Freeman Portrait George Freeman
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

As the new Minister for the decarbonisation of transport, I can say that the Government are absolutely committed to this, and we have a cycling Prime Minister who is committed to it. We have announced £350 million for cycling infrastructure. As I have said, we are completely committed over this Parliament to doubling the number of people cycling and walking.[Official Report, 10 February 2020, Vol. 671, c. 8MC.]