1-20 of 41 results for house:"House of Lords"
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.452 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.006 seconds
- Search query
- house:"House of Lords"
- We searched for
- legislature_ses:25277
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
Primary member
Answering member
More
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Callanan, on 17 April (HL Deb, col 518), what are the “existing licensing arrangements” in relation to the domestic demand for coal in heritage railways.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Callanan, on 17 April (HL Deb, col 518), what are the “existing licensing arrangements” in relation to the domestic demand for coal in heritage railways.
The Coal Authority is the licensor for coal extraction in the UK. Businesses seeking to develop a coal operation require a coal exploration licence from the Coal Authority, as well as planning permission and other consents, before a mine can become operational.
Potential coal extraction projects seeking to supply industries such as heritage rail would need to satisfy the ‘tests’ to issuing a licence under the 1994 Coal Industry Act. These include financial viability, practical experience, and relevant permissions (such as planning).
Lords motion to take note of the first report of the Science and Technology Committee on Battery strategy goes flat: Net-zero target at risk (HL 53 2021-22). Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to take note of the first report of the Science and Technology Committee on Battery strategy goes flat: Net-zero target at risk (HL 53 2021-22). Agreed to on question.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 February (HL5915), what steps the Office of Product Safety and Standards are taking to ensure that lithium ion batteries used in (1) e-bikes, (2) e-scooters, and (3) other mobility aids, are safe; what (a)...
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 11 February (HL5915), what steps the Office of Product Safety and Standards are taking to ensure that lithium ion batteries used in (1) e-bikes, (2) e-scooters, and (3) other mobility aids, are safe; what (a)...
The UK Government is committed to ensuring that consumers are protected from unsafe goods. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005, and other product regulations, place obligations on manufacturers to ensure the safety of consumer goods including the batteries used to power them.
Manufacturers need to ensure that all products supplied meet the relevant product safety regulations before being placed on the market. In doing so, they may choose to apply standard EN 62133-2 which specifies requirements and safety tests necessary for the safe operation, including foreseeable misuse, of portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) does not maintain a list of approved batteries for use in such vehicles, as the responsibility for the selection of such components rests with the manufacturer. However, OPSS works with Local Authorities and border authorities to help ensure that products imported and sold in the UK are safe and that action is taken against those who place unsafe or non-compliant products on the market, including their removal from the market.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 23 December (HL11338), what suggestions the International Union of Railways have made "to enhance the take up of rail travel to Glasgow from Europe".
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Callanan on 23 December (HL11338), what suggestions the International Union of Railways have made "to enhance the take up of rail travel to Glasgow from Europe".
The International Union of Railways is one of a number of organisations and transport operators that are engaged as the COP26 Unit develops the transport plan. In order to enhance the take up of rail travel from Europe to Glasgow, a robust communications campaign that encourages those who can, to travel by rail to the UK, will be put in place.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, why they decided to include an intention to make bilateral agreements for cross-border rail services; why no similar intention was included for cross-border bus services; whether they...
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, why they decided to include an intention to make bilateral agreements for cross-border rail services; why no similar intention was included for cross-border bus services; whether they...
As outlined in the Future Relationship White Paper in July and the Political Declaration on the Framework for the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK Government, published on 22 November, the EU and the UK have agreed that the UK will pursue bilateral agreements. These will be undertaken with France, Belgium and the Netherlands to ensure the continued smooth functioning and operation of services through the Channel Tunnel, and with Ireland to do the same for the Belfast‑Dublin Enterprise line.
Outside of these cross-border services, the UK will have the flexibility to shape its own domestic railway legislation to meet the needs of its passengers and freight shippers, and reflect the unique characteristics of the rail network within the UK.
Continued market access for transport between the UK and the EU, including for bus and coach travel, is in our mutual interests. We will seek to agree cross-border bus services as part of the future relationship with the EU. In the event of no deal, as set out in the Department for Transport Technical Notice ‘Operating bus or coach services abroad if there’s no Brexit deal’, the UK would seek to put in place bilateral agreement with EU countries.
Consultations with industry have been ongoing, and we will continue to take on board the views of stakeholders.
To ask Her Majesty's Government why their Framework for the UK–EU Partnership: Transport, published on 7 June, does not cover the rail sector to the same level of detail as the air and road sectors; and what action they intend to take to remedy this omission.
To ask Her Majesty's Government why their Framework for the UK–EU Partnership: Transport, published on 7 June, does not cover the rail sector to the same level of detail as the air and road sectors; and what action they intend to take to remedy this omission.
As the UK slides on the Framework for the UK-EU Partnership on Transport make clear, we will pursue bilateral agreements with the relevant Member States to facilitate the continued smooth functioning of cross-border rail services operating through the Channel Tunnel and on the island of Ireland.
The cross-border services that link us with the EU have greatly benefited citizens and businesses in both the UK and the EU. We want to see these services continue without disruption, and it is in the interests of all parties to ensure this through these bilateral agreements.
The government is considering the full range of rail issues as we further discuss the shape of our future economic partnership with the EU. We will continue to work closely with the rail industry and passengers to ensure that we secure an agreement that works for the entire UK rail sector.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to bring forward proposals to create extra capacity on the railways, as outlined in their 2017 manifesto; and if so, when.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to bring forward proposals to create extra capacity on the railways, as outlined in their 2017 manifesto; and if so, when.
My Lords, we set out in July requirements for the railway from 2019 to 2024, and we announced today the statement of funds available for it, continuing our record investment in the railways. I am delighted to say that Network Rail will be investing £47.9 billion in our railways over that period. By the end of this year, we intend to publish a rail upgrade plan, which will set out the start of the process of specific rail enhancements that we are investing in. We are fully committed to HS2, northern powerhouse rail and passenger rail franchises, all of which will contribute to this Government’s continuing development and investment in new capacity across the entire network.
My Lords, we set out in July requirements for the railway from 2019 to 2024, and we announced today the statement of funds available for it, continuing our record investment in the railways. I am delighted to say that Network Rail will be investing £47.9 billion in our railways over that period. By the end of this year, we intend to publish a rail upgrade plan, which will set out the start of the process of specific rail enhancements that we are investing in. We are fully committed to HS2, northern powerhouse rail and passenger rail franchises, all of which will contribute to this Government’s continuing development and investment in new capacity across the entire network.
My Lords, we set out in July requirements for the railway from 2019 to 2024, and we announced today the statement of funds available for it, continuing our record investment in the railways. I am delighted to say that Network Rail will be investing £47.9 billion in our railways over that period. By the end of this year, we intend to publish a rail upgrade plan, which will set out the start of the process of specific rail enhancements that we are investing in. We are fully committed to HS2, northern powerhouse rail and passenger rail franchises, all of which will contribute to this Government’s continuing development and investment in new capacity across the entire network.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to bring forward proposals to create extra capacity on the railways, as outlined in their 2017 manifesto; and if so, when.
My Lords, I totally agree—I have given the noble Lord the figures for our long-term commitment for the control period from 2019 to 2024. He mentioned northern powerhouse rail. Let me tell him exactly what we are doing. We are spending £13 billion on northern transport in this Parliament, the largest sum in government history, and providing
better rail journeys through the Northern and TransPennine franchises and the northern rail project. The train operators, Northern and TransPennine Express, will deliver brand new trains, including more than 500 new carriages, room for 40,000 extra passengers and more than 2,000 extra services a week. By 2020 all the trains will be brand new or completely refurbished and all Pacer trains will be gone. We are committed to northern powerhouse rail and are getting on with delivering it.
My Lords, I totally agree—I have given the noble Lord the figures for our long-term commitment for the control period from 2019 to 2024. He mentioned northern powerhouse rail. Let me tell him exactly what we are doing. We are spending £13 billion on northern transport in this Parliament, the largest sum in government history, and providing
better rail journeys through the Northern and TransPennine franchises and the northern rail project. The train operators, Northern and TransPennine Express, will deliver brand new trains, including more than 500 new carriages, room for 40,000 extra passengers and more than 2,000 extra services a week. By 2020 all the trains will be brand new or completely refurbished and all Pacer trains will be gone. We are committed to northern powerhouse rail and are getting on with delivering it.
My Lords, I declare an interest as chairman of the Rail Freight Group. I welcome what the Minister has said today and the Secretary of State’s Statement, which refers to continuing investment in the rail freight network. However, the statement of funds available is an eight-page document, four of those pages being blank. When does the Minister intend to put a few a figures in it? I hope that the Government in doing that will provide a holistic solution and commitment to things like the northern powerhouse. We have heard in the past few months about the cancellation of certain electrification projects and then about £5 million to be spent on the digitalisation of one line in the northern powerhouse. The Government are acting as a kind of pop-up café for the railway. I hope that we will have a long-term commitment to an industry that needs long-term funding.
I have had the pleasure of discussing this subject with the noble Lord before—
I have had the pleasure of discussing this subject with the noble Lord before—
My Lords, nothing better illustrates the gap between the Government and the understanding of the people than the infamous infrastructural albatross that is HS2. It is going to cost between £57 billion and £100 billion and has been criticised by all who understand it. Very few benefits are going to accrue. With all the other problems in the country at the moment, why not scrap this ridiculous vanity project—for that is what it is—and spend the money on all the rest of the railway infrastructure that needs it?
That was not meant as a joke. I know that the noble Lord has strong feelings on the subject, but he will know that I simply do not agree with him. We are spending £55 billion on HS2, not the sums he mentioned. It is a vital project to increase capacity, reduce journey times, unlock regeneration and create thousands of jobs. It is not stopping us progressing with additional projects. I mentioned the sums we are spending on additional rail enhancements; I should have said that that is in addition to the money we are spending on HS2. HS2 is a vital project for this country and we are committed to proceeding with it. So far, it is on time and on budget.
That was not meant as a joke. I know that the noble Lord has strong feelings on the subject, but he will know that I simply do not agree with him. We are spending £55 billion on HS2, not the sums he mentioned. It is a vital project to increase capacity, reduce journey times, unlock regeneration and create thousands of jobs. It is not stopping us progressing with additional projects. I mentioned the sums we are spending on additional rail enhancements; I should have said that that is in addition to the money we are spending on HS2. HS2 is a vital project for this country and we are committed to proceeding with it. So far, it is on time and on budget.
My Lords, nothing better illustrates the gap between the Government and the understanding of the people than the infamous infrastructural albatross that is HS2. It is going to cost between £57 billion and £100 billion and has been criticised by all who understand it. Very few benefits are going to accrue. With all the other problems in the country at the moment, why not scrap this ridiculous vanity project—for that is what it is—and spend the money on all the rest of the railway infrastructure that needs it?
The noble Lord makes an important point. He will be aware that we are working closely with Transport for the North, which we have given £50 million to develop transport proposals for the north of England. It is something I believe passionately in—I use those services myself. We are committed to the project, we are proceeding with it, we expect to receive the final proposal from Transport for the North later this year and we will announce that we are proceeding then.
The noble Lord makes an important point. He will be aware that we are working closely with Transport for the North, which we have given £50 million to develop transport proposals for the north of England. It is something I believe passionately in—I use those services myself. We are committed to the project, we are proceeding with it, we expect to receive the final proposal from Transport for the North later this year and we will announce that we are proceeding then.
My Lords, while the noble Lord is right to draw attention to the very welcome announcement of the improvement of rail services between cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, will he also tell the House what might be done to link the northern Pennine towns in Yorkshire and Lancashire, particularly the reopening of proper express services, a Hellifield link and many other things that could be done for towns that have suffered acute poverty and often feel neglected and completely forgotten?
By their very nature, transport projects are long-term commitments. That is why we do five-year investment projects. Transport infrastructure investment projects deliver long-term benefits to all sectors of the economy. I will be happy to write to the noble Lord to set out our appraisal of these schemes.
By their very nature, transport projects are long-term commitments. That is why we do five-year investment projects. Transport infrastructure investment projects deliver long-term benefits to all sectors of the economy. I will be happy to write to the noble Lord to set out our appraisal of these schemes.
Today’s announcement about railway investment does not extend to the larger investment schemes, which may account for the four blank pages referred to by the noble Lord, Lord Berkeley—schemes such as that at Reading and the one on Crossrail. There are very long-lasting benefits from such schemes and that is not reflected properly in the current appraisal programmes. Will the Minister meet me and other interested Peers to discuss the appraisal of schemes where most of the benefits flow outside the public purse and we are left having spent the money but not reaping the benefits?
We are committed to the northern powerhouse rail project and the TransPennine project. We are proceeding with them. We have announced the funding available two years in advance of the start of the funding period. I cannot do any more than tell the noble Lord that we are totally committed to the projects. We need to continue to review amounts made available in the light of developments in the economy, but because we have delivered a successful economy we are able to spend record amounts investing in our rail infrastructure, our road infrastructure and all aspects of our transport system.
We are committed to the northern powerhouse rail project and the TransPennine project. We are proceeding with them. We have announced the funding available two years in advance of the start of the funding period. I cannot do any more than tell the noble Lord that we are totally committed to the projects. We need to continue to review amounts made available in the light of developments in the economy, but because we have delivered a successful economy we are able to spend record amounts investing in our rail infrastructure, our road infrastructure and all aspects of our transport system.
My Lords, many travellers in the north of England would welcome a pop-up café.
The Minister is committed to this area, so my question to him is: what guarantees can we have that the announcements, which have been reinforced today, will actually be carried through given the stop-start nature of all the announcements about investment in the northern powerhouse?
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what has been the cost, and (2) what is the predicted cost, of extending the electrification clearance through train stations from 2.75 metres to 3.5 metres; and whether they intend to make representations to the Office of Road and Rail with regards to the new requirements for...
To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what has been the cost, and (2) what is the predicted cost, of extending the electrification clearance through train stations from 2.75 metres to 3.5 metres; and whether they intend to make representations to the Office of Road and Rail with regards to the new requirements for...
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) determine appropriate national technical standards for electrical clearances in consultation with Network Rail. The appropriate clearance distances are subject to adequate risk assessments and it is a matter for Network Rail to determine how best to protect the public. The Department for Transport does not intend to make representations to the Office of Road and Rail about these standards.
In regard to costs, this information is held by Network Rail.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of planned cuts to Southern Rail services to Plumpton station at peak times; and whether they have made an assessment of the impact of those cuts on commuters.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of planned cuts to Southern Rail services to Plumpton station at peak times; and whether they have made an assessment of the impact of those cuts on commuters.
Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR) recent consultation on the 2018 timetable included a specific question on stopping patterns at Plumpton and Cooksbridge stations. GTR indicated that there was limited support for changes to current timetable. Therefore there are no plans to cut to peak time stops at Plumpton.
Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to develop plans to train a pool of alternative train drivers to replace those who go on strike.
Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to develop plans to train a pool of alternative train drivers to replace those who go on strike.
No. Train operators are responsible for operational staffing and ongoing recruitment, where necessary, to meet their contracted obligations.
Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of disruption to existing passenger services during the construction of HS2.
Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of disruption to existing passenger services during the construction of HS2.
The design of HS2 has sought to minimise disruption to the conventional rail network during construction. While the majority of construction works will not affect the existing railway, ‘possessions’ will be needed so that works on or near the existing railway can be done safely.
As many as possible of these works will be undertaken at night and weekend maintenance periods so as to minimise disruption to passenger and freight services. However, for certain major HS2 works that cannot be accommodated within these maintenance periods, possessions of a longer duration will be required.
Possessions will be booked by or through Network Rail (NR) in accordance with standard industry processes and will be planned to minimise disruption. In planning engineering works HS2 Ltd and NR will work with train operators and freight operators to make sure there are suitable alternative route and travel options available.
The possessions planning process includes consultation with the wider railway industry, including operators and users, to ensure that the relevant information is provided, that the possessions are considered in the context of wider railway operations, and that appropriate mitigation measures are put in place. Where compensation is due for the impacts of possessions on operators, it is anticipated such compensation will be provided in accordance with standard industry processes.
We continue to work with HS2 and other organisations to reduce the impact of works.
Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made to electrify the rail lines to South Wales.
Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made to electrify the rail lines to South Wales.
Electrification to Cardiff is scheduled for completion in December 2018.
Her Majesty's Government what projects to electrify rail lines in England are currently subject to delays in (1) commencement, and (2) completion, of works.
Her Majesty's Government what projects to electrify rail lines in England are currently subject to delays in (1) commencement, and (2) completion, of works.
Network Rail published an update to its Enhancement Delivery Plan on 30 June 2017. This sets out the outputs, scope and milestones for the projects, including electrification schemes, which Network Rail is committed to deliver. Each project entry includes a milestones table setting out the programme for a project’s delivery.