Question
I am aware that the Secretary of State has already answered two questions about Peninsula Transport’s fantastic wi-fi pilot on GWR trains, but if we are to go ahead with rolling it out for nationalisation on 13 December, I gently ask whether there is a way to nudge the Treasury to make that money available.
Answer
My hon. Friend has been a tireless campaigner on this issue, and I know that she depends on GWR services, as do I in my constituency. Having good mobile connectivity is something that people feel strongly about, and it could improve satisfaction with journeys. I will continue my discussions with colleagues across Government to make that happen.
Verdict: RED (22/100)
The reply addressed the one part of the question about funding only in general terms. It said the Minister would continue discussions with colleagues across Government, but it did not name the Treasury, a funding mechanism, or any concrete step the Department would take. Most of the rest of the reply was general praise and statements about the importance of connectivity, so the question is largely unanswered and the asker would likely need to ask again for specifics.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether there is a way for the Department to encourage the Treasury to make funding available for rolling out Peninsula Transport's wi-fi pilot on GWR trains, should that rollout go ahead following nationalisation on 13 December. | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The only statement that bears on the item is the commitment to 'continue my discussions with colleagues across Government to make that happen', which gestures at a route to funding but never names the Treasury, a mechanism, or a concrete way the Department would encourage it. The other statements are general praise and assertions about the importance of connectivity, not about funding. |