Written questions by Maguire.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Green Book cost benefit analysis accounts for (a) economic and (b) connectivity issues when assessing transport infrastructure proposals in rural areas like Cornwall.

The Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) provides methods and advice for assessing the impacts of schemes on economic activity and connectivity. This is mainly from direct benefits to travel users from reductions in travel time, and service improvements such as increasing frequency and quality. TAG can also assess impacts for wider economic, social and environmental impacts. For example, better connectivity can lead to productivity gains to businesses taking advantage of access to new markets and opportunities, or better access to jobs for people. These methods are equally applicable to urban and non-urban areas.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the Green Book appraisal framework for reflecting the value of transport infrastructure funding in rural areas like Cornwall.

The Department for Transport’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG) is a robust framework for assessing the cost and benefits of different transport schemes, across different parts of the UK. TAG builds on the foundations set by HM Treasury’s Green Book with specific guidance for transport schemes, but it does not deviate from the key principles set by the Green Book. The Department plans to update TAG in response to HM Treasury’s Green Book Review published last July, including supporting the development of place-based business cases. The Department is developing an Appraisal, Modelling and Evaluation Strategy to identify updates to TAG to prioritise improvements to appraisal over the next five years, so investment decisions prioritise people and places are underpinned by high quality and accessible analysis. We listened to feedback from our extensive stakeholder engagement programme as part of this, and an emerging action is to consider developing the appraisal guidance for non-urban areas – including rural areas like Cornwall.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Dartmoor Railway Line into (a) North Cornwall constituency, (b) Launceston and (c) Bude.

The Government recognises the transport challenges faced by rural communities, including those in North Cornwall. While there are currently no plans to reintroduce rail services to North Cornwall, we encourage local authorities and transport providers, including Great Western Railway, to explore opportunities for enhancing integrated transport links, particularly between rail and bus services. For example, the new £15million Okehampton Interchange station is due to open in 2026, funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund. This station will become a hub for trains and buses, including enabling improved bus services to North Cornwall, and improved walking and cycling links.

If her Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of rail connectivity in North Cornwall constituency.

The Government recognises the transport challenges faced by rural communities, including those in North Cornwall. While there are currently no plans to reintroduce rail services to North Cornwall, we encourage local authorities and transport providers, including Great Western Railway, to explore opportunities for enhancing integrated transport links, particularly between rail and bus services. For example, the new £15million Okehampton Interchange station is due to open in 2026, funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund. This station will become a hub for trains and buses, including enabling improved bus services to North Cornwall, and improved walking and cycling links.

What steps his Department is taking to develop a long-term strategy for regional air connectivity that (a) reduces reliance on (i) Gatwick Airport (ii) Heathrow Airport and (iii) other major hubs and (b) supports the growth of (1) Cornwall Airport Newquay and (2) other regional airports.

The Department recognises how vital aviation is to maintaining connectivity between the regions of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to the wider world. Ministers and officials at the Department meet regularly with regional airports, including Cornwall Newquay Airport, to discuss issues such as regional air connectivity. Government supports connectivity across the union through our joint-funding of three Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes into London from Newquay, Dundee and Derry/Londonderry. The Government keeps PSO policy under review. This includes recommendations made through the Union Connectivity Review published in November 2021.

Whether her Department plans to include the A30 junction at Plusha in the Road Safety Strategy.

The Department is aware of the safety issues at the junction between the A30 and B3257 at Plusha. National Highways is investigating a number of possible modest safety improvements for this stretch of the A30 as part of its A30 Kennards House to Five Lanes Safety Study, for possible delivery in a future Road Investment Strategy.

What assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of rural transport infrastructure in North Cornwall constituency.

This Government continues to work at pace to address the transport challenges people face in rural areas like North Cornwall. We recently announced £2.3 billion of Local Transport Grant funding for local authorities over the four-year Spending Review period. This includes more than £24m for Cornwall Council for maintenance and enhancements, such as improving public transport, improving accessibility, and making our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We also confirmed £900 million in annual resource funding for local authorities to maintain and improve vital bus services, such as those helping people to travel in rural areas, at the same time as extending our £3 national bus fare cap until March 2027, to continue supporting cost of living pressures. We look forward to presenting our Integrated National Transport Strategy later this year, which will present a place-based approach to empower local leaders to make appropriate decisions for their areas, including in rural communities.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of reduced bus service (a) frequency and (b) routes on people travelling to healthcare appointments in (i) North Cornwall and (ii) other rural areas.

The government knows that a modern public transport network is vital to keeping communities connected, and ensuring people can get to education and work, including healthcare workers. The government believes that local transport authorities, working with bus operators, are best placed to determine and design local bus networks in their area. The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December 2024 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of communities that rely on them. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country, of which Cornwall Council has been allocated £10.59 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce improvements to bus services and infrastructure to best meet the needs of passengers in their local area.

If she will ban the discharge of wash water from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems within UK territorial waters.

The UK is committed to reducing the impact of shipping on the environment. In April, we cosponsored a proposal at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a new Emission Control Area. This will reduce pollutants across all UK waters. The use of exhaust gas cleaning systems is regulated by the IMO, where the UK has an evidence led approach to their use as a compliance mechanism. We will be assessing the impact of discharges from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in UK waters as part of our ongoing consideration of the environmental impacts of shipping.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems on marine vessels on the environment.

The UK is committed to reducing the impact of shipping on the environment. In April, we cosponsored a proposal at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a new Emission Control Area. This will reduce pollutants across all UK waters. The use of exhaust gas cleaning systems is regulated by the IMO, where the UK has an evidence led approach to their use as a compliance mechanism. We will be assessing the impact of discharges from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in UK waters as part of our ongoing consideration of the environmental impacts of shipping.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on banning the discharge of wash water from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems.

The UK is committed to reducing the impact of shipping on the environment. In April, we cosponsored a proposal at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a new Emission Control Area. This will reduce pollutants across all UK waters. The use of exhaust gas cleaning systems is regulated by the IMO, where the UK has an evidence led approach to their use as a compliance mechanism. We will be assessing the impact of discharges from open-loop exhaust gas cleaning systems in UK waters as part of our ongoing consideration of the environmental impacts of shipping.

If her Department will meet with the hon. Member for North Cornwall to discuss the potential availability of funding to extend the Camel Trail cycle path.

I commend the honourable gentleman for his continued advocacy for the Camel Trail cycle path in his constituency. As he will be aware, officials from the Department for Transport attended our meeting on 1 April, and prior input was sought from Active Travel England. Decisions on future funding for active travel will be a matter for the Spending Review, and it is for Cornwall Council to make its own decisions about where to prioritise investment in local transport networks, including walking and cycling infrastructure.

What steps her Department is taking to improve road safety for vulnerable road users.

This Government treats road safety with the utmost seriousness, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. My Department is developing our road safety strategy and will set out more details in due course.

What progress she has made on her planned port strategy; and what plans she has for future funding of port infrastructure.

My Department is not currently planning on publishing a ports strategy, however, on 25th March we published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and we are continuing to develop a Maritime Strategy. Both address the Department’s priorities for the ports sector.The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out Government’s plans for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and policies to support this. The Maritime Strategy will be published later this year. It will focus on our four priorities of people, growth, environment and safety. Ports have a crucial role to play across all of these.The Department is engaging with colleagues at the National Wealth Fund given Ports are a priority area for NWF investment.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the time take for Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspections on the economic sustainability of inshore fishing businesses in rural coastal communities.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Whether her Department has considered introducing a temporary dispensation for newly-purchased fishing vessels awaiting Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspection.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

What discussions she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on increasing inspection capacity.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

What plans she has to help (a) ports and (b) the shipping industry to (i) reduce emissions and (ii) transition to cleaner fuels.

We will shortly set out our next steps for reducing shipping emissions in a forthcoming maritime decarbonisation plan, which will include a package of policy and regulatory measures and action across both the port and shipping industries. Reducing emissions will rely on increased efficiency of operators, combined with a transition to cleaner zero, and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels and energy sources, and this plan will consider both the role of these fuels, and how we will support their uptake.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of seafarers’ (a) welfare and (b) roster patterns, in the context of the collision between Solong and Stena Immaculate.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is undertaking an investigation into the incident. Its findings will be made available in due course. MAIB will consider the circumstances of the incident, including any relevant crewing issues. We must give those teams the time and support to do their job without pre-judging what may have caused this tragic incident.

If she will communicate directly with (a) residents and (b) businesses in (i) Camelford and (ii) surrounding areas on plans for the proposed A39 bypass.

The government currently is undertaking a multi-year spending review.  Until the outcome of this is known, I am unable to provide any assurances on Departmental funding for the A39 Camelford bypass scheme which is being promoted by Cornwall Council as part of the Department’s Major Road Networks/ Large Local Majors programme.