Christopher Pincher Questions Chair of the Transport Select Committee About High Speed Two

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Christopher Pincher, Member of Parliament for Hints, Hopwas & Tamworth, intervened in Parliament on the Chairman of the Transport Select Committee, Louise Ellman, during her report on the publication on the Transport Select Committee’s report on HS2.

Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Will the hon. Lady give way?

Mrs Ellman: I am running out of time, but I will give way once more.

Christopher Pincher: The hon. Lady says that the Committee’s report raises important points, and she says that the environmental impact has not been properly assessed. Does she believe that that impact will have a significant effect on the net cost-benefit ratio in the business case?

Mrs Ellman: That is an important point. I cannot anticipate what the impact would be, but we think that other factors, including the importance of reducing current overcrowding, should be assessed as well. Ultimately, any cost-benefit ratio would have to take account of the findings in regard to those factors, and possibly others as well.

Christopher Pincher commented at the end:

“It is clear that there are still many questions about the business case of HS2.   In addition to environmental factors blight is not taken into consideration in the proposals.  Blight will affect revenues to the Treasury due to reduced income from Stamp Duty.  The Government needs to investigate the entire case for HS2 so the taxpayer is not left to foot a huge bill for this project.   The Transport Select Committee’s report raises an array of questions which the Department for Transport must address.   I will continue to work with local action groups in Hints, Drayton Bassett and Hopwas to question the business case of this project which I just do not think stacks up.”

“I also intend to meet with Transport Secretary, Justine Greening, on 21st November to raise my concerns.  Together, with other local MPs, I asked for an urgent meeting with her so I am pleased she has agreed to see concerned Members of Parliament.”