| Archived Save the Train forum articles - 2005 to 2010. See below
Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8231 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 16th October 2007 Parliament is back , and so are the questions. Answers : Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) of 25 July 2007, Official Report, column 1070W, on Metronet finance, what estimate she has made of the extent of the public finance commitment as a result of Metronet entering administration; and what proportion of the total her Department expects to pay. Ms Rosie Winterton: Transport for London and London Underground continue to discuss the best strategy for taking Metronet out of Administration with the PPP Administrators, taking into account all the associated financial implications, in accordance with their respective duties. In advance of their conclusion, it would be inappropriate to comment on the potential public finance impacts. Mr. Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has held following the report of the Office of Rail Regulation on the increase in rail defects caused by heavier trains introduced over the last two years. Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 12 September 2007]: Department for Transport officials are engaged with Network Rail, train operators and the train manufacturers on the impact trains have on track. Looking to the future the Department is taking a lead in specifying lighter trains that have been assessed using the latest industry models to optimise the train design. Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Safety Inspectorate last inspected c2c Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8297 Written by Lee on Saturday, 20th October 2007 Answers : Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost was of constructing the high speed rail link from Folkestone to St. Pancras. Jim Fitzpatrick: The final construction cost has not been established as some contracts have still to be completed. However, the anticipated final outturn cost is currently Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8413 Written by Lee on Thursday, 1st November 2007 Answers : Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many new rail vehicles for (a) inter-city services, (b) commuter services in London and (c) local regional rail services were procured in each of the last 10 years. Mr. Tom Harris [holding answer 18 October 2007]: The number of vehicles procured for (a) is around 1,200 vehicles, (b) around 3,400 vehicles, (c) around 600 vehicles. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to meet Virgin Trains to discuss improvements to speed and reliability of trains between Euston and Wolverhampton. Mr. Tom Harris: Department for Transport officials met with representatives of Virgin Train and Network Rail on 31 August to review progress on the west coast route modernisation programme that will result in reductions in the journey time to and from Wolverhampton from December 2008. Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make a statement on the timetable for implementing Crossrail. Mr. Tom Harris: We hope that the Bill will achieve Royal Assent by next summer. The current programme indicates that the project design work would be concluded by early 2009 in time for the construction procurement process and the start of the enabling works. Main construction of the scheme would begin in 2010, and we expect the first trains to run in 2017 as part of a 12 month build up to the full Crossrail service. Mrs. Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on the AirTrack proposals since BAA announced that they have agreed to provide the funding for the promotion of a Transport and Works Act (1992) Order for the project; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: BAA and Network Rail continue to work together to develop the AirTrack scheme. Although a TWA Order could be pursued by BAA, a considerable amount of work still requires to be undertaken, including decisions over funding the capital and revenue costs of the scheme, before such a scheme can be implemented. Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she last met representatives of First Group; and what the subject was of their discussions. Mr. Tom Harris: The last meeting that my right hon. Friend had with representatives of First Group was on 19 July 2007. This was an introductory meeting with the Association of Train Operating Companies. At the meeting the rail White Paper was discussed. I met a representative of First Great Western today to discuss rail services. Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government has taken to improve the availability of public transport in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Coventry. Ms Rosie Winterton: The Government have invested in long-term public transport improvements in the West Midlands, including Coventry. Funding provided to local authorities in the West Midlands region for local highways and public transport capital projects has increased from Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8414 Written by Lee on Thursday, 1st November 2007 Questions : Martin Horwood (Cheltenham):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many fires there were on trains in each of the last five years for which data is available; how many of these fires (a) were judged to be a risk to human life when they broke out, (b) resulted in loss of life and (c) were connected with train crashes; and how many lives were lost on each occasion. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what regular safety inspections and certification procedures are carried out on trains; and whose responsibility it is to ensure that these are carried out so that all rolling stock meets safety standards. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether new guidance to train operating companies published by the Rail Safety Standards Board on break-glass hammers or safety windows will apply to existing rolling stock. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the criteria are for awarding the East Coast Main Line rail franchise; and how the Grand Central franchise affects the East Coast Main Line franchise. Mrs Maria Miller (Basingstoke):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the likely effect on passenger in excess capacity figures of the increase in capacity on South West Trains following the start of the new franchise in February 2007, with particular reference to trains travelling between Basingstoke and London. Mrs Maria Miller (Basingstoke):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23rd October 2007, Official Report, column 228-9W, on airports: public transport, what steps she is taking to ensure capital and revenue funding is in place for AirTrack to ensure the scheme is implemented; what meetings she has held with BAA and Network Rail to resolve the funding issues; and when she expects a final decision to be made on funding the capital revenue costs of the scheme. David Tredinnick (Bosworth):To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent representations she has received on train journey times from Nuneaton to London outside the rush hour; and if she will make a statement. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8680 Written by Lee on Saturday, 17th November 2007 Answers : Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many additional trains under the new timetable will be stopping at central Milton Keynes train station once the work at the station is complete. Mr. Tom Harris: In the draft December 2008 timetable, the number of long distance trains calling at Milton Keynes every hour is set to increase from two to three providing passengers with direct trains to destinations such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. The level of services to local stations and other destinations served by the London Midland franchise (which took over from Silverlink on 11 November 2007) remains broadly as it was previously. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department made of railway passenger numbers in London in the most recent period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: Statistics on passenger rail journeys are published by the Office of Rail Regulation in National Rail Trends. The Yearbook editions contain regional passenger journeys in and between regions. These are available in the House Library or from their website: www.rail-reg.gov.uk. Statistics on the number of passengers using rail travel are based on ticket sales, rather than actual passenger numbers. The data is obtained from the ticketing database LENNON. The regional passenger figures are sourced from the Historic Rail Database, an annual compendium of LENNON. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to re-open the railway line between Skipton and Colne; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: There are no plans to re-open the railway line between Skipton and Colne. Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the increased platform capacity will be for Waterloo station when Eurostar services move to St. Pancras International. Mr. Tom Harris: The Department is working closely with Network Rail and Stagecoach South West Trains (the train operating company) to finalise the design and costs associated with the use of one extra platform Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8682 Written by Lee on Saturday, 17th November 2007 Questions : Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the expected additional journey time is for commuters who will have to travel from Winchester to Romsey by rail, via Southampton, when the direct rail link bus service is discontinued; and if she will make a statement. Mrs Si Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8782 Written by Lee on Saturday, 24th November 2007 Answers : Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had on proposals to transfer Finsbury Park station to Transport for London. Mr. Tom Harris: None. There are currently no plans to transfer the operation of Finsbury Park station from First Capital Connect to Transport for London. Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 12 November 2007, Official Report, column 43W, on railway stations: Milton Keynes, whether the increase in the number of long distance trains stopping per hour at Milton Keynes applies to both peak and off peak services. Mr. Tom Harris: The increase in services calling at Milton Keynes takes place throughout the day at both peak and off peak times. Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many long distance trains due to stop at Milton Keynes under the proposed new timetable will only either drop off or pick up passengers during (a) peak and (b) off peak times. Mr. Tom Harris: Heading north, one train per hour is currently designated as pick up only. Between 1642 and 1942 inclusive, it is proposed that this will apply to all long distance services. In the southbound direction, one train only per hour will be set down only across the course of the traffic day. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when spending figures per head on transport in (a) London and (b) each of the English regions will be recalculated to take into account the decision to fund Crossrail; when she expects to publish the re-calculated figures; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris [holding answer 19 November 2007]: The regional breakdown of our past spending and future spending plans is produced annually, and published in the Department Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8783 Written by Lee on Saturday, 24th November 2007 Questions : Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects the Route Utilisation Strategy for the East Coast Main Line to be published. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the National Grid on its plans to lay cables along the Woodhead Southerly Tunnel. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) Network Rail and (b) Arriva about the frequency of its direct services between Cheltenham and the North West; and if she will make a statement. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) Network Rail and (b) train operating companies about the frequency of services to and from Ashchurch; and if she will make a statement. Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when a decision is expected on the re-doubling of the track between Kemble and Swindon. Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what reviews have been undertaken of her Department's rules on data protection in the last two years; if she will place in the Library a copy of the report of the last review of her Department's compliance with data protection laws; and if (a) her Department and (b) her Department's agencies will undertake a review of their compliance with data protection laws. Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on how many occasions in (a) her Department and (b) its agencies confidential data have been downloaded on to compact discs (i) without and (ii) with encryption in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; how many of those discs have been posted without using recorded or registered delivery; what procedures her Department has in place for the (A) transport, (B) exchange and (C) delivery of confidential or sensitive data; what records are kept of information held by her Department being sent outside the Department; what changes have been made to her Department's rules and procedures on data protection in the last two years; on how many occasions her Department's procedures and rules on data protection have been breached in the last five years; what those breaches were; what procedures her Department has in place on downloading confidential data on to computer discs before its transfer; what technical protections there are in her Department's computer systems to prevent access to information held on those systems which is not in accordance with departmental procedures; and if she will place in the Library a copy of each of her Department's rules and procedures on the protection of confidential data on individuals, businesses and other organisations. Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many employees of each grade in her Department (a) have access to confidential or sensitive data and (b) are authorised to download such data to disk; how many of her Department's employees have undergone data protection training in the last 12 months; what the average length of time is that each employee of (i) her Department and (ii) her Department's agencies has spent on data protection training; how many investigations of employees of her Department for improperly accessing confidential information have taken place in the last 12 months; how many such investigations resulted in cases of disciplinary action; and what the circumstances of each of those cases were. Mr Mark Lancaster (North East Milton Keynes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19th November 2007, Official Report, column 462W, which trains going from (a) Milton Keynes to London during morning peak hours and (b) London to Milton Keynes during evening peak hours represent an increase in peak services calling at Milton Keynes. Keith Vaz (Leicester East): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what procedures are in place in her Department to ensure that personal information relating to members of the public is (a) stored and (b) transported securely. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 14th November 2007, Official Report, column 667, on national security, what plans her Department has to improve security at (a) overground and (b) London Underground railway stations. Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what land surplus to her Department's requirements it is (a) selling, (b) leasing and (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is. Mr David Gauke (South West Hertfordshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many of her Department's (a) computers and (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 20th December 2005, Official Report, column 2932W, when the Rail Safety Standards Board research into passenger emergency evacuation procedures will be published. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether any people have died as a result of using emegency egress windows as a means of escape following a train crash. Mr John Spellar (Warley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made in work undertaken by her Department and Transport for London to ensure that Oyster cards are compatible with the Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation standard. Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on how many occasions the Information Commissioner has been contacted by her Department to report breaches of data protection security in each of the last five years. Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many breaches of data protection security there have been in her Department or her Department's Agencies in each of the last five years; and if she will provide details of each breach. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is planned that a single operator will run all passenger trains on Crossrail tracks. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had on the interaction of new Crossrail services and existing commuter rail links running into Paddington. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which of the proposals in the report by Sir Alan West on security at (a) rail stations and (b) airports will be met from existing departmental budgets. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what involvement her Department has had in the alteration of timetables and services on the Gatwick Express over the last 12 months. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her officials have had with train operating companies on whether smart card swipes should be made on train or on station. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which community rail partnership projects she has visited since her appointment as Secretary of State; and with which train operating companies she has met. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the reasons were for setting a timetable for the West Coast Mainline with fewer stops made in Watford. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what date the Government expects nationwide coverage for the use of smartcards on the national rail network. Susan Kramer (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Network Rail on the timetable for future use of the former Eurostar platforms at London Waterloo. Susan Kramer (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she expects South West Trains to begin running the first commuter services from the former Eurostar platforms at London Waterloo; and what timetable she envisages for the use of the remaining platforms. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8919 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 5th December 2007 Answers : Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department spent on the recent competition for early refranchising of the East Coast main line. Mr. Tom Harris: The re-franchising has been completed at no cost to Government. Costs incurred have been met by Sea Containers Ltd. Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the cost of maintaining the Eurostar platforms at Waterloo station per month. Mr. Tom Harris: Eurostar are de-commissioning the station and leaving it in a suitable condition to transfer to the department at the end of March 2008. This work involves taking out all the equipment needed to operate an "international" station Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8920 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 5th December 2007 Questions : Mr Boris Johnson (Henley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the gross (a) assets and (b) liabilities of Transport for London are; and what they were before Metronet entered into administration. Mr Boris Johnson (Henley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what Transport for London's liabilities net of assets are; what they are expected to be in each year to 2015; and how much of the liability in each year is expected to arise from the administration of Metronet. Mr Boris Johnson (Henley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29th November 2007 to the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet, Official Report, columns 605-6W, on Transport for London: finance, what assessment she has made of the effect on the grant and borrowing totals in each year of the entry of Metronet into administration. John McDonnell (Hayes & Harlington): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what premium was received by her Department from each rail franchise in the last year for which figures are available. John McDonnell (Hayes & Harlington): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what subsidy was provided to each rail franchise in the last year for which figures are available. Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will require Network Rail to make arrangements to help commuters with luggage, the elderly and disabled to access the underground from the concourse of Euston station while the escalators are being refurbished; if she will assess the compliance of the works with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005; whether her Department was consulted over the works; if she will take steps to monitor the compliance of future works by Network Rail with the DDA; and if she will make it her policy to require Network Rail to (a) provide and (b) advertise assistance to vulnerable groups when such works take place. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will delay any decision on whether to allow cables to be laid in the southerly Woodhead tunnel until the publication of the final Yorkshire and Humber Route Utilisation Strategy. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the Woodhead tunnel was taken out of railway use. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential strategic significance of the Woodhead railway tunnel for improving transport links, with particular reference to targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has conducted an appraisal of the (a) costs and benefits and (b) the value for money of reopening the Woodhead tunnel to rail freight against the building of the Mottram Tintwistle Bypass through the Peak District National Park. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will intervene to prevent National Grid from implementing any plans to utilise the Woodhead tunnel for power cables and other purposes which would prevent the tunnel being able to be used in future for rail. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will commit to safeguarding the trans-Pennine rail route with particular reference to the Woodhead tunnel for future rail use. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the compatability of the reopening of the Woodhead tunnel with the (a) Delivering a Sustainable Railway White Paper, (b) Towards a Sustainable Transport System paper and (c) the Eddington transport study. Mr Douglas Carswell (Harwich): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effects on safety of changing the protected manual railway gate at Frinton-on-Sea railway crossing to a gate controlled remotely and monitored by closed circuit television. Derek Conway (Old Bexley & Sidcup): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential benefits to travellers from Sidcup to Albany Park of the formation of a stakeholder advisory board by the Southeastern Railway Company as part of the franchise agreement conducted by her Department. Derek Conway (Old Bexley & Sidcup): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what procedures her Department followed in making the recent franchise agreement with Southeastern Railway Company; and what assessment was made of the likely effect on fares for travellers from Sidcup and Albany Park stations before agreeing the franchise. Derek Conway (Old Bexley & Sidcup): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will place in the Library the correspondence between her Department and the Southeastern Railway Company that resulted in the Department's derogation from the operating franchise agreement enabling the company to increase fares from Sidcup and Albany Park stations in excess of the Retail Price Index plus three per cent. formula previously in place. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will seek the views of passengers who travel in Desiro Class 450 Units, on mainline services between Portsmouth and London on passenger comfort. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29th November 2007, Official Report, column 605W, on South West Trains: rolling stock, what assessment she has made of the difference in seated passenger comfort between the Desiro Class 450 units and the previous stock on the mainline journeys between Portsmouth and London; and if she will make a statement. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has for the premises of former travel centre at Hampshire rail stations; and if she will make a statement. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Southeastern Railway on the proposed 13 per cent. fare increase at Bexleyheath Station. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which railway lines will not be running on Boxing Day. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/8963 Written by Lee on Saturday, 8th December 2007 Answers : Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether (a) Transport for London and (b) the Mayor of London's Office made any approach to her to take responsibility for the routes into Marylebone operated by Chiltern Railways; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: There are no records of an approach by either (a) Transport for London or (b) the Mayor of London's office requesting a change in responsibilities for Chiltern Railways routes into London Marylebone. Mr. Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which businesses she expects to contribute more than (a) Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9114 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 18th December 2007 Answers : Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport of which disused rail lines her Department authorised the sale in each of the last 10 years; and which disused rail lines her Department is considering re-opening. Mr. Tom Harris: The disposal of non operational property owned by BRB (Residuary) Ltd. (BRBR) is governed by guidance issued to the company on 26 July 2007 which I outlined in my statement to Parliament on that date. A listing of all properties, including disused railway lines that are either held by BRBR or have been sold by the company is available on their website at: http://www.brbr.gov.uk/property/property_listings The disposal of railway property owned by Network Rail is undertaken in accordance with the conditions of their network license. Compliance with these conditions are monitored and enforced by the Office of Rail Regulation. The Government priorities for rail as set out in the White Paper in July are improved reliability and safety and dealing with growth on the existing network. This does not envisage reopening lines in the period to March 2014. However, the Government would consider proposals for re-opening where these offer value for money and are fundable Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9115 Written by Lee on Tuesday, 18th December 2007 Answers : Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with Southeastern Railway on the proposed 13 per cent. fare increase at Bexleyheath Station. Mr. Tom Harris: The Government protect commuters by regulating the average annual increases in season tickets. On Southeastern, this increase is limited to 3 per cent. above inflation from 2007 to 2011. Individual fares can increase by more than the average, as long as no individual regulated fare increases by more than 8 per cent. above inflation from one year to the next. Therefore, individual regulated fares on Southeastern can rise by up to 11.8 per cent. for 2008. Southeastern is committed by its Franchise Agreement to zonalise all fares in London from January 2008, including seasons. To achieve this, and to maintain a balanced fare structure, a general derogation against fares regulation was granted for a number of season fares within London. There were no specific discussions on fares from Bexleyheath. The new zonal fares structure on Southeastern will help pave the way for Oyster Pay-As-You-Go smart ticketing, to be rolled out across national rail in London from 2009. It simplifies the current complex system of individually-priced station-to-station fares. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has for the premises of former travel centres at Hampshire rail stations; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: It is for franchise operators to manage the facilities at their stations within the contractual and regulatory framework. South West Trains has put forward a number of proposals to change the use of Travel Centres at stations. These include details of the consultation responses and alternative arrangements proposed for passengers. These proposals are currently under consideration. Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which of the proposals in the report by Sir Alan West on security at (a) rail stations and (b) airports will be met from existing departmental budgets. Jim Fitzpatrick: Under the long standing Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9476 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 Answers : Mr. Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many passengers used the Cumbrian coastal rail service between Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle in each year since 1997. Mr. Tom Harris: The Department for Transport does not hold this information. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) does however publish regional passenger flows in the National Rail Trends Yearbook editions, which are available in the House Library or from their website at www.rail-reg.gov.uk Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the number of flights into and out of Heathrow which were to destinations where there is a viable rail alternative in the latest period for which figures are available. Jim Fitzpatrick: There is no definition of what constitutes a viable rail alternative to flying. However, according to CAA statistics for 2006 there were 58,915 domestic flights to or from Heathrow carrying just under 6 million passengers. There were 28,550 flights to or from Paris and Brussels, with 2.7 million passengers. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by how many (a) Class 442 and (b) Class 444 units South West Trains has reduced its main line express rolling stock fleet since the renewal of the franchise; and what percentage of the fleet the reduction represents. Mr. Tom Harris: 24 Class 442 units were taken off lease before the start of the Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT) Franchise that commenced in February 2007. The class 442s represented 7 per cent. of the total South West Trains (SWT) fleet under the previous franchise. No Class 442s ran in service under Stagecoach South Western Trains. 45 Class 444 units are on lease to Stagecoach South Western Trains and no class 444s have been cut from mainline express services. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make it her policy to require South West Trains to put Class 442 back in service in the interests of passenger comfort. Mr. Tom Harris: No. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the reliability of Reading Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9477 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 Answers : Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her policy is on the electrification of the railway network; and what assessment she has made of the effect of the electrification on carbon dioxide emissions. Mr. Tom Harris: The Government's position on rail electrification was set out in the rail White Paper Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9478 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 16th January 2008 Questions : Mr Adam Holloway (Gravesham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which types of ticket for rail journeys from Gravesend to London Charing Cross are regulated by the Government. Mr Adam Holloway (Gravesham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average time-tabled journey time by train from Gravesend to London Charing Cross was in each of the last 10 years. Mr Brian Jenkins (Tamworth): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the reasons are for the time taken to complete the works on Upper Gungate Bridge in Tamworth constituency by Network Rail. Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington & Chelsea): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her policy is on Southern Trains' proposal to withdraw its Watford to Brighton service; if she will make it her policy to preserve the Watford to Brighton service through conversion of trains to dual-voltage to operate on Thameslink; and if she will make a statement. Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington & Chelsea): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the withdrawal of Southern Trains' Watford to Brighton service on passengers with disabilities or heavy luggage required to change platforms at Clapham Junction. Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many unadopted roads in the UK Network Rail owns. Mr Bernard Jenkin (North Essex): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the reasons were for the overrunning of engineering works affecting train services between Liverpool Street and Essex over the Christmas and New Year period; and if she will make a statement. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much the works to be completed at Birmingham New Street are estimated to cost; and how much of this is expected to be met from public funds. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much extra capacity for train movements will be created by the works to be completed at Birmingham New Street; what plans there are to (a) create new platforms and (b) lengthen existing platforms; and if she will make a statement. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the annual budget of BRB (Residuary) Ltd was for each year since 1997; and what functions it discharges. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many timetabled engineering projects Network Rail has carried out in each of the last five years. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many timetabled engineering projects run by Network Rail have overrun their timetable in each of the last five years; and what percentage of works this represents. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 10th January 2008, Official Report, column 700W, on trains: standards, commissioned and funded by South West Trains who undertook the study; what the terms of reference of the study were; and if she will make a statement. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 10th January 2008, Official Report, column 700W, on trains: standards, whether the full report commissioned by South West Trains was made available for review by Passenger Focus; and if she will make a statement. Bob Russell (Colchester): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of train (a) punctuality and (b) overcrowding on the line between Colchester and London. Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Strategic Rail Authority's Integrated Franchise Agreement Briefing Document, what the agreed ceiling for fare increases was for South Eastern Railway. Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many passengers have travelled from Ebbsfleet via Eurostar since the inauguration of that service. Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what surcharge was applied to passengers taking weekend breaks in Paris and travelling by Eurostar from (a) Ebbsfleet and (b) Paddington. Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much subsidy South Eastern Railways received from her Department as a percentage of the income from the franchise in each of the last three years for which figures are available. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will list the 10 railway (a) stations and (b) lines which had the largest (i) percentage increase and (ii) gross increase in passenger numbers in the latest year for which figures are available. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many miles of new railway have been built in each year since 1997. Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what arrangements are in place for the recovery of money by Network Rail from (a) the Highways Agency, (b) local authorities, (c) statutory undertakers and (d) other persons, in relation to (i) road bridges and (ii) foot bridges which cross its network; what charges are applied; and what the basis is for those charges. Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proposals (a) she and (b) the Office of Rail Regulation have for the further reform of the railway network code in respect of (i) the carrying out of engineering work on the network and (ii) the liability of Network Rail to pay compensation to its train operator customers in cases of delays or unsatisfactory or late completion of works. Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what input she intends to have in the inquiry now being carried out by the Office of Rail Regulation into the January 2008 overruns of engineering works on the West Coast route modernisation. Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether (a) she and (b) the Office of Rail Regulation has any plans to require Network Rail to extend the timetable for the completion of the West Coast route modernisation. Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what propoals (a) she and (b) the Office of Rail Regulation has for the strengthening of the conditons of Network Rail's network licence. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9634 Written by Lee on Thursday, 24th January 2008 Answers : Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of train (a) punctuality and (b) overcrowding on the Weymouth to Bristol line; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: By early December, punctuality across the First Great Western (FGW) franchise stood at 82.5 per cent. We have impressed on FGW the need for this to improve. Joint action plans are in place between Network rail and FGW to help achieve this and are monitored monthly by the department. Measures to improve punctuality and to increase capacity on individual routes are matters for the train operator. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she had with Network Rail on rail network engineering projects over the Christmas period; what action she took following those discussions; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: The Secretary of State met Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, on 3 January. She emphasised to him that, while the department had no intention of intervening in Network Rail Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9635 Written by Lee on Thursday, 24th January 2008 Questions : John Cummings (Easington): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to re-open rail stations at Horden, Easington and Blackhall in Easington constituency; and if she will make a statement. Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 21st January 2008, what measure of inflation is used by her Department in determining rail price increases under the terms of the South Eastern Franchise Agreement for 2008. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average cost was of travelling a mile by (a) road, (b) rail and (c) air, expressed in (i) constant and (ii) current price in each year since 1997. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had regarding the operation of a rail service on each day of the year; what further discussions she plans to have; and if she will make a statement. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with Network Rail on its programme of engineering work over the Easter 2008 holiday period. Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when a decision will be taken on whether to build a new railway station in the North Chelmsford-Springfield area; and if she will make a statement. Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will extend and fund national concessionary travel schemes to (a) rail services and (b) London underground. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to arrange the method of bonus calculation for Network Rail directors so as to incentivise growth of the network. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will wind up the British Rail Board (Residuary) and transfer its assets to Network Rail. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what incentives exist to encourage the British Rail Board (Residuary) speedily to dispose of its assets. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the feasibility of maintaining Woodhead tunnel fit for future rail operations should the National Grid lay electricity cables along it. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the most viable option for a new cross-Pennine rail link. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate she has made of the average carbon dioxide emissions per person per journey from London to (a) Bristol, (b) Birmingham, (c) Newcastle and (d) Edinburgh by (i) air, (ii) rail, (iii) lorry and (iv) car. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with South Eastern Railway on the potential premium costs of using Javelin-operated high speed domestic services from Kent to St Pancras. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, by what date her Department expects the Javelin-operated high speed domestic services from Kent to St Pancras to be operational. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9842 Written by Lee on Saturday, 2nd February 2008 Answers : Mr. Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding will be raised from the new Statutory Planning Charge for Crossrail; for how long the charge will be collected; on what developments it will be levied; and which local authorities it will affect. Mr. Tom Harris: The Planning Bill introduced to Parliament on 28 November 2007 provides for a Community Infrastructure Levy. As part of the funding agreement between Transport for London and the Department for Transport, it is envisaged that the levy will be used to secure contributions from developers to provide funding for Crossrail. I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by the Secretary of State on 26 November 2007, Official Report, columns 133-34WS. The timing of the charge, the type of developments and local authorities affected, and other details will depend on the final form of the legislation, the regulations laid under the proposed powers in the Planning Bill, and on the Mayor of London Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9843 Written by Lee on Saturday, 2nd February 2008 Answers : Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate her Department has made of the numbers of train journeys which would be required to transport nuclear waste on the commissioning of new nuclear power stations in each year; and if she will make a statement. Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/9844 Written by Lee on Saturday, 2nd February 2008 Questions : Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to encourage people to use rail transport; and if she will consider introducing financial incentives to encourage people to travel by rail. Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to limit the increases in rail fares for rail users without season tickets. Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the schedule is for the completion of the Railways for All programme. Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how manys stations have been identified as requiring access improvements under the Railways for All strategy; and how many have been improved under this strategy. Anne Main (St Albans): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average time-tabled journey time by train from St Albans to London was in each of the last 10 years. Anne Main (St Albans): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the performance of First Capital Connect in meeting its (a) rail franchise obligations and (b) targets; and if she will make a statement. Anne Main (St Albans): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) punctuality and reliability levels and (b) passengers in excess numbers were for rail services on the St Albans to London route in each month since January 2005. Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the Health and Safety Executive's report on the safety of type 142 carriages; what assessment she has made of the suitability of type 142 stock for use on the Manchester-Southport line; what reports she has received of (a) safety and (b) overcrowding issues on this service; and if she will make a statement. Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many journeys were taken on Eurostar by staff of her Department in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) business premier, (b) standard, (c) leisure select and (d) other ticket types. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average weight of a two-car train was in (a) 1985, (b) 1997 and (c) 2006. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average weight of a two-car train in the EU-15 was in the latest year for which figures are available. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what percentage change from a 2007 baseline she has projected for (a) rail passenger and (b) freight mileage by (i) 2009, (ii) 2014, (iii) 2019 and (iv) 2024. Mrs Theresa Villiers (Chipping Barnet): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Written Statement of 30th January 2008, Official Report, columns 18-20WS, on rolling stock, how many of the 1,300 extra carriages referred to in the White Paper, Delivering a Sustainable Railway, will be (a) new rolling stock and (b) a re-deployment of existing rolling stock. Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 22nd January 2008, Official Report, column 1821W, on Network Rail, on what date the meeting with Ian Coucher on 3rd January was arranged; and when the most recent previous meeting with a senior executive of Network Rail took place. Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what subsidy from the public purse was received for each rail franchise since 1997. Mr Greg Knight (East Yorkshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what reasons have been identified for the recent disruptions of railway services between Hebdon Bridge and Wakefield in the vicinity of Elland; what estimate she has made of the cost of bringing services back to normal; how long such repairs are likely to take; what steps she is taking to reduce the risk of similar disruptions in the future; and if she will make a statement. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10061 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 13th February 2008 Answers : Mr. Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many journeys were taken on Eurostar by staff of her Department in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) business premier, (b) standard, (c) leisure select and (d) other ticket types. Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost as the financial systems used by the Department for Transport to record rail travel do not differentiate Eurostar travel. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding from the public purse has been provided for the former Eurostar North Pole depot in West London. Mr. Tom Harris: The asset transferred from Eurostar (UK) Ltd. to BRB (Residuary) Ltd. on 31 January, under the arrangements for providing Eurostar (UK) Ltd. with a new depot at Temple Mills. This transfer involved no costs to the public purse. BRB (Residuary) Ltd. is now responsible for managing all the costs and benefits of North Pole depot. Mr. MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her policy is on changing the names of London railway stations. Mr. Tom Harris: Any proposal to change a station name is primarily a matter for train operators, Network Rail and London Underground as appropriate. Name changes have, though, happened only infrequently in the past and that is likely to continue to be the case in future. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps her Department is taking to encourage people to use rail transport; and if she will consider introducing financial incentives to encourage people to travel by rail. Mr. Tom Harris [holding answer 1 February 2008]: Marketing of rail services is primarily a matter for train operators. They do this in a variety of ways, many of which involve offering financial incentives through discounted fares. Unprecedented investment in the railways since 1997 has resulted in an increase in patronage of around 40 per cent. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make a statement on the future of the Eurostar North Pole depot in West London. Mr. Tom Harris: The transfer of North Pole Depot to BRB (Residuary) Ltd. was completed on 31 January. BRB (Residuary) Ltd. has been asked to provide a valuation and to dispose of the site. Prior to any disposal, there will be a further check with relevant stakeholders to confirm our initial assessment that there is no further rail use for this site. BRB (Residuary) Ltd. will be asked to follow established and published guidance in consulting with relevant stakeholders on the disposal of the former Eurostar depot at North Pole. The latest guidance was announced to Parliament on 26 July 2007. Copies of that guidance are available in the Library of the House and on the BRB (Residuary) Ltd. website at www.brbr.gov.uk Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the performance of First Capital Connect in meeting its (a) rail franchise obligations and (b) targets; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: To date First Capital Connect has delivered all the franchise obligations that it was due to meet. First Capital Connect has met each of the three performance benchmarks specified in the Franchise Agreement in each of the railway periods it has been in operation. Mrs. Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what systems are operated by the Office of Rail Regulation for the proactive monitoring of Network Rail Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10062 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 13th February 2008 Questions : Martin Salter (Reading West): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effects of the terms of the young persons' railcard on the purchase of rail passes and season tickets; and what representations she has received on extending the use of such railcards for peak time travel. Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will ensure that the doubling of the Swindon to Kemble railway line takes place in 2009. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what applications were received from Southeastern Railway for Access For All (a) Small Schemes and (b) Main Schemes for 2008-09. Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath & Crayford): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much funding has been given to Southeastern Railway under the Access For All Scheme since its introduction. Mr John Spellar (Warley): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29th November 2007, Official Report, columns 607-8W, on transport: tickets, what progress has been made to ensure smartcard readers in London are ITSO/Oyster dual-operable. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential for ultra light rail to deliver a low carbon transport option. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the rolling stock plan does not include new diesel rolling stock for the South-Central franchise; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the complement of such stock on the (a) Brighton-Ashford and (b) Uckfield-London line. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will bring forward proposals to tackle the criticisms recorded in the Rail Passengers Council report of March 2005 in relation to the standard of stock on the Portsmouth mainline express service; and if she will make a statement. Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will remit the report of March 2005 from the Rail Passengers Council back to the Council requesting that it develop specific recommendations to address the views of passengers expressed in the report. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to extend the concessionary travel scheme to (a) long distance coach travel and (b) other forms of public transport. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10310 Written by Lee on Saturday, 23rd February 2008 Answers : Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will estimate the loss of revenue from fare evasion on the railways in each of the last five years. Mr. Tom Harris: The Department does not hold such information, though as we made clear in our Rail White Paper last summer we believe the industry's reported figure of 5 per cent. to be an underestimate. For this reason we have required operators to implement a structured revenue protection strategy as part of all franchise agreements entered into since 2004. Further steps were outlined to support revenue protection in the White Paper published last summer Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10311 Written by Lee on Saturday, 23rd February 2008 Answers : Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason the rolling stock plan does not include new diesel rolling stock for the South-Central franchise; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the complement of such stock on the (a) Brighton-Ashford and (b) Uckfield-London line. Mr. Tom Harris: Bidders for the replacement South Central franchise, for which invitations to tender will be issued later this year, will be required to demonstrate how they plan to match capacity to demand for all the routes in the franchise, including the Uckfield and Ashford lines. Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if she will bring forward proposals to meet the criticisms recorded in the Rail Passengers Council report of March 2005 in relation to the standard of stock on the Portsmouth mainline express service; and if she will make a statement; (2) if she will remit the report of March 2005 from the Rail Passengers Council back to the council requesting that it bring forward specific recommendations to address the views of passengers expressed in the report. Mr. Tom Harris: The disposition of rolling stock is a matter not for Government, but for Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT). Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what applications were received from Southeastern Railway for Access For All (a) Small Schemes and (b) Main Schemes for 2008-09. Mr. Tom Harris: We have received no applications for funding from Southeastern Railway for 2008-09. Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding has been given to Southeastern Railway under the Access For All Scheme since its introduction. Mr. Tom Harris: Southeastern Trains have been offered Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10312 Written by Lee on Saturday, 23rd February 2008 Questions : Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to require (a) new and (b) existing railway rolling stock to lessen its carbon footprint. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average timetable journey time by train was from (a) Cambridge to London King's Cross, (b) Lewes to London Victoria, (c) Peterborough to London King's Cross, (d) St. Albans to London St. Pancras, (e) Reading to London Paddington, (f) Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street and (g) Canterbury to London Charing Cross in each year from 1993 to date. Mr Patrick McLoughlin (West Derbyshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure adequate funding for the upgrading and maintenance of the Derwent Valley railway line. Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what Metronet's weekly cost to the public purse has been since it went into administration; and from what budget the costs are met. Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what Transport for London's debt is; and if she will make a statement. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10563 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 5th March 2008 Answers : Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations she has made to Network Rail on signal failures in the Portsmouth area in 2008; what steps Network Rail has taken to prevent signalling problems during major works at Easter; and if she will make a statement. Mr. Tom Harris: The Secretary of State for Transport has made no representations to Network Rail on signal failures in the Portsmouth area in 2008. The prevention of signalling problems during major works at Easter is an operational matter for Network Rail as the owner and operator of the national rail network. Mr. Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she expects refurbished rolling stock to be available for Northern Rail services on its Newcastle to Carlisle line; and when Pacer trains will be decommissioned. Mr. Tom Harris: Decisions on deployment of rolling stock rest with the franchisee, Northern Rail. The department understands there are no plans to withdraw Pacer trains from service. Mr. Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many external contracts the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch held with public relations companies in each year for which figures are available; and what the cost of those contracts was. Mr. Tom Harris: The Rail Accident Investigation Branch was set up during 2005 and became fully operational from 17 October 2005. RAIB let a contract with Campaign Productions (Television Productions Ltd.) to produce a DVD for use by TV/media explaining the RAIB Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10567 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 5th March 2008 Answers : Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government has taken to make train stations user-friendly for blind people. Ms Rosie Winterton: Since the launch of the Railways for All Strategy in March 2006 Access for All funding has been used to support a variety of accessibility improvements that will benefit visually impaired passengers at more than 270 stations. Schemes have included improvements to public address systems, tactile paving, lighting, stair handrails and colour contrasting. Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps the Government has taken to improve accessibility of train stations in the West Midlands. Ms Rosie Winterton: Since the launch of the Railways for All Strategy in March 2006 Access for All funding has been used to support a variety of accessibility improvements including accessible toilets, customer information systems and hearing induction loops, at 61 stations in the West Midlands. The Department for Transport has contributed Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/10568 Written by Lee on Wednesday, 5th March 2008 Questions : Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much her Department spent on pot plants in each of the last five years. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 28th February 2008, Official Report, column 1846W, on trains: fuels, for what reason her Department had not placed a copy of the research project assessing the potential role of biomethane as a renewable transport fuel in the Library by 4th March. Clive Efford (Eltham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will ensure that revenue from the fine imposed on Network Rail for delays in December 2007 and January 2008 is spent on the rail network. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many times services on the (a) East Coast and (b) West Coast Main Line were disrupted as a result of damage to overhead wires in each of the last five years; where each incidence of damage occurred; and how long each disruption lasted. Robert Neill (Bromley & Chislehurst): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to amend the governance and structure of urban transport authorities. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley & Holderness): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much her Department spent on consultants for work on the Leeds Supertram; and if she will make a statement. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley & Holderness): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many miles of (a) railway track and (b) road there are in each Government region; and if she will make a statement. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to her Written Ministerial Statement of 3rd March 2008, Official Report, columns 97-8WS, on rail and road capacity (East of England), what estimate she has made of the cost of the proposed (a) rail and (b) road improvements; and what contribution she expects to be forthcoming from BAA to each. Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/12038 Written by Lee on Thursday, 1st May 2008 Answers : 12. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effects of levels of rail fares on levels of carbon dioxide emissions from transport. [199766] Mr. Tom Harris: Last autumn we published the discussion document Re: Even More Upcoming PWQ's - 4456/12039 Written by Lee on Thursday, 1st May 2008 Questions : Mark Hunter (Cheadle): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the per capita spending was from the public purse on (a) roads, (b) buses, (c) railways, (d) cycling, (e) walking and (e) air travel in each parliamentary constituency in the North West in each year since 1997. Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many miles of dismantled railway track bed have been sold by the British Railways Property Board since 2001; and if she will make a statement. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, by what date she expects to publish her Green Paper on transport challenges; and what topics will be covered by the Paper. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what preparatory steps she has taken in connection with the possible future construction of high-speed rail lines. Mr Mark Lancaster (North East Milton Keynes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to encourage train operating companies to allow greater accommodation for cyclists and their bicycles on trains. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what visits to Brussels were made by each Minister in her Department by (a) Eurostar, (b) commercial flight, (c) other flights and (d) other means of travel in 2007-08. Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 19th March 2008, Official Report, column 1117W, on GoVia, by what date she expects to have made an announcement regarding the South Central rail franchise. link to index of articles |
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Save the Train was the campaign to bring an approriate train service back to and through Melksham. Most big contributors are still around writing at the Coffee shop forum where new members are very welcome. The train has been saved - sort of - we have stepped back up from an unusable service to a poorish one but it's doing very well. We did that through setting up the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership. That fulfilled its early objectives; it has been taken over by local and regional government types who are now doing medium and long term work. The team from this forun can also be found at the Melksham Rail User Group (which was the Melksham Rail Development Group at the time these articles were written and we had no users. We mustn't loose sight, though, that the train service remains poor and needs our community support in marketing and campaigning to keep it going in a positive direction ... and all the more so when we're expecting to find a different normallity once we get out of the Coronavirus Pandemic and head for zero carbon via the climate crisis. Yes, it's saved ... it's now a key community facility ... the need for enhancement and the strong and near-universal local support remain, and the rail industry and goverment remain slow to move and provide the enhancements even to level us up with other towns. Please support the Melksham Rail User Group - now very much in partnership rather than protest with the rail industry and local government, including GWR, TransWilts and unitary and town councils. And please use the trains and buses, and cycle and walk when you can. -- Graham Ellis, (webmaster), February 2021 | |||
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