East Coast Main Line Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

East Coast Main Line

Ronnie Campbell Excerpts
Wednesday 16th May 2018

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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My recollection is that the Bradford services and the ones going through my hon. Friend’s constituency are due to start next year, and I know of no reason why that should not happen.

Ronnie Campbell Portrait Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab)
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As has been said, three private companies have run the east coast main line, and they have all failed, except for the one that was disposed of by the last Government under the previous Transport Secretary. I wonder sometimes whether we should look at the current Secretary of State’s slush bucket and see how much Stagecoach put into it.

Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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That suggestion is not worthy of an hon. Member of this House. The hon. Gentleman knows that decisions about procurement are taken predominantly by officials, and I regret the fact that he has made such an allegation.