Rising Cost of Transport Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Rising Cost of Transport

Simon Burns Excerpts
Wednesday 9th January 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Maria Eagle Portrait Maria Eagle
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No, I will make some progress. We have out-of-touch Transport Ministers and a Prime Minister not willing to enforce his own commitment on fares.

Maria Eagle Portrait Maria Eagle
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I will give way to the Minister.

Simon Burns Portrait Mr Burns
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Will the hon. Lady withdraw the accusation that she has just made—that the service to Chelmsford cost £80,000? If she had done her homework or was being fair, she would know that pool cars cost the Department a flat rate of £80,000 for the year, regardless of how many journeys they make or how far they travel. Even if the car stopped coming to Chelmsford, the flat fee would still be paid at the same level.

Maria Eagle Portrait Maria Eagle
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I note the right hon. Gentleman’s attempt to argue that he is actually saving money for the taxpayer, and I will leave that for those who wish to report on these things to decide.