Speeches by Hatton.

“What do you see as the timeframe for delivering that?”

“Building on Clive’s points, it strikes me that, once the buses Bill has been implemented, there are two different routes for an LTA to pursue if it wants to fundamentally alter the local bus provision. Either it can continue down the enhanced partnership route and try to build that and make it a success, or it can mayb…”

“Thank you, Chair. Good morning. I will start with you, permanent secretary, if that is okay. From where you are sitting with a view of the Department, what do you think good performance looks like for the bus sector in England? Is there any clear timeframe for when it is that we reach good performance for buses in Engl…”

“With that in mind, what actions are you taking? I appreciate that there is legislation coming through in this area, but what action is the Department taking to improve that co-operation with the bus operators and local transport authorities so that we can start to see better and more reliable services materialise? I pa…”

“To build on Anna’s “why” point, figure 5 in the Report shows Somerset and Dorset in a very poor position in terms of changes in bus passenger journeys. Isn’t that one of the reasons why—that some people have seen a huge decline in the number of services, with bus services being fundamentally poorer, taking them to fewe…”

“And you are currently reviewing enhanced partnerships to see whether or not they work.”

“That is what is quite striking. We have had the enhanced partnership in Dorset in place for a few years now but, at the same time, we have seen a continual reduction in services, or in the frequency of services, and we have seen cutbacks continue. I appreciate that funding constraints will often be one of the reasons w…”

“With that review, and in line with the buses Bill going through Parliament now, what do you think are the timeframes for when we can start to see LTAs feeling like they can deliver an effective, enhanced partnership, which so far has not been that effective, or pursue other routes, whether franchising or indeed somethi…”

“Q2. The Eden Project in Cornwall is a proven success story, injecting millions into the local economy. In Lancashire, Eden Project Morecambe will soon be under construction, and is set to create hundreds of jobs. It is about time that we had the third instalment with MEMO Portland—or Eden Portland as many like to call …”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered the contribution of whistleblowers. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mr Turner. Last week we marked World Whistleblower Day, so it is only right that we come together in this place to recognise the contribution that whistleblowers make to our society. Time an…”

“I would like to conclude today’s debate by summarising some of the helpful and constructive contributions of hon. Members. I thank the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) for outlining the bravery of his constituent Brian. I also thank my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Sarah Russell) for describing the high…”

“In the recent spending review, the Chancellor outlined plans for a multimillion-pound investment in essential building works at Budmouth academy in Weymouth. We welcome that new investment in local schools in our town, and it will enable Budmouth academy finally to upgrade its school buildings. Looking ahead, will the …”

“Do you think that once you have published the plan you will have the infrastructure to see through that 30% uplift?”

“General Overton, could you outline in a bit more detail whether you feel the MOD currently has the right staff, the right structure and the right support, as the only sponsor for the RFCAs?”

“Excuse my ignorance, but is there an end date for delivery of the whole plan that you aspire to meet?”

“Are you both therefore confident that the funding will be secured for all three parts, and the whole plan can be delivered in order to reach the aspirations of the SDR?”

“You talked about there being three different sections to this. Am I correct in saying that the funding has currently only been secured for the first one? Maj Gen Marc Overton indicated assent. Q40        Lloyd Hatton Do you think that in any way impacts the long-term delivery of all t…”

“Going further on the reserve estate optimisation plan, General Overton, would you be able to give us an overview of the progress that has been made with delivering it?”

“What is the delivery timescale as you try to meet the ambitions of the SDR?”

“That sounds positive, but do you feel that the current staffing numbers and arrangements are sufficient?”