Contributions
140 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, I have had a long career in transport, particularly in the railways. I can remember the day they were first nationalised. I worked in the industry in good times and bad…20 May 2026HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL]My Lords, I have spoken in the House before about the need to increase bus speeds. In discussion, the Minister has come forward with a method of bringing some discipline to local…26 Mar 2025HANSARDGreat British RailwaysMy Lords, I would like to ask the Minister a few questions as my contribution. First, will he confirm that the regulator has objectives, but, in fact, all holders of the post have…13 Mar 2025HANSARDBus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL]I rise at this moment to introduce the subject of traffic congestion. That is the biggest enemy of the bus, and traffic speeds are declining throughout the country. They have now…28 Jan 2025HANSARDPassenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) BillThe noble Lord has spoken as if public ownership is something evil. I remember, when I worked on the west coast main line, that 90% of the trains ran on time. That is a far cry…06 Nov 2024HANSARDPassenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) BillMy Lords, on the issue of freight, the intention should be that the freight service is given dedicated paths in the timetable. The timetable is the key to the whole issue. For…21 Oct 2024HANSARDPassenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) BillMy Lords, this Bill was forecast in the Labour Party’s manifesto. We have no quarrel with the need to take drastic action to make the railways work better for passengers, freight…07 Oct 2024HANSARDKing’s Speech (4th Day)My Lords, in the time allowed I will concentrate on transport infrastructure. I completely reject the mantra of the Conservative Party that organisations such as British Rail were…22 Jul 2024HANSARDAutomated Vehicles Bill [HL]My Lords, perhaps I might add a word for the very large number of people who are not in wheelchairs but who depend, like I do, on a stick. When pavements are so awful in this…06 Feb 2024HANSARDKing’s SpeechMy Lords, when I was introduced to your Lordships’ House some 24 years ago, the then Chief Whip of the party, John Harris, gave me some advice: to speak about what you know about…13 Nov 2023HANSARDLevelling-up and Regeneration BillMy Lords, does the Minister agree that one of the major problems with the bus industry is the lack of adequate reimbursement of concessionary fares? The burden of reimbursement…18 Jul 2023HANSARDHeavy Commercial Vehicles in Kent (No. 2) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2021My Lords, it is a pleasure once again to address your Lordships’ Committee following a long absence. I have, however, kept fairly well abreast of what has been going on here while…07 Dec 2021HANSARDTransport DecarbonisationIn view of what is likely to be a chronic shortage of HGV drivers that will persist for years, will the Government urgently look again at investing in rail-freight schemes,…19 Jul 2021HANSARDSteel SectorCan the Minister tell the House what proportion of the steel being used now in HS2 construction is British steel, and whether any effort is being made to ensure that more British…12 Jul 2021HANSARDBusiness and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2021My Lords, I strongly support the remarks just now by the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner. We have, as he said, been here before when, last summer, the Government launched the “Eat out…08 Jul 2021HANSARDLorry DriversThe railways are very hungry for traffic. The Minister has a list that I gave her of simple modifications that could be made and there are resources available. Will she use the…07 Jul 2021HANSARDEnvironment BillMy Lords, I too support Amendment 279 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Faulkner of Worcester. Steam locomotives, in particular, and the associated steam engines employed…05 Jul 2021HANSARDInternational TravelInternational travellers all have to pass through the border security at airports. This has not had a good reputation for efficiency in the past, so can the Minister give us some…01 Jul 2021HANSARDEnvironment BillMy Lords, there can be few more unpleasant jobs than clearing fatballs and wet wipes out of congested sewers. It is done underground, often in sweltering conditions. It is a…30 Jun 2021HANSARDTourismAll tourists use public lavatories. Generally these are of a poor, unattractive standard. Many things need to be improved to make the public offer for tourists better. Many noble…24 Jun 2021