Railways in Parliament

network, and delivery of the ambition to remove all diesel-only trains from the railway by 2040.”

Carnets for commuters

SLOUGH MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi asked what discussions have taken place with rail operators on the effect on their services of a potential increase in flexible and part-time commuters.

Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson replied: “The Government recognises that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a fundamental change in working patterns and that this could have long-term effects on commuter behaviour.

“In order to support a green recovery and new working patterns, the DfT is working with industry to explore already available options for flexible commuters, such as carnets, and what steps could be taken quickly to make these as useful and convenient for passengers as possible.”

Digging deep for HS2

Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson replied: “The number of archaeologists required and consequently deployed will vary as the HS2 project moves forward.

“HS2 Ltd has estimated they will need the skills of more than 1,000 archaeologists and associated specialisms for the entire HS2 archaeology programme.”

Station shops support

30, and landlords will also be prevented from using commercial rent arrears recovery unless they are owed 189 days of unpaid rent.

“In addition, the temporary ban on the use of statutory demands and winding-up petitions, where a company cannot pay its bills due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been extended to September 30.

“The Government has also ensured that businesses and workers have access to unprecedented packages of support, including £330billion of Governmentbacked and guaranteed loans.”

229 HS2 sites underway