Speeches by Aquarone.

“Some of the best accessibility assistive technology is inherently digital because it gives people every single option they might need to go through, check and double-check all the different permutations. That is very interesting. I do not want to take us off course, but I am interested in whether Max has anything to ad…”

“When you balance the number of bits of software, presumably there is no data standard for journey booking in the way that there is, for example, for rail ticketing, but there presumably is not a BSI standard for all the data that goes into a transport booking.”

“Building on that, more broadly in the context of local government financial pressures, is that impacting on community transport? Is it sustainable in the current way things are happening? Should central Government play a greater role?”

“That is interesting. That is quite specific to software and immensely frustrating for a number of different reasons. Can we step back again to the wider picture of local authority funding and sustainability for community transport?”

“You mentioned earlier the potential for some of the clarification of the lack of reference to CT in the bus Bill coming forward in the statutory guidance. That sounds like an important point for this Committee to consider as we continue to scrutinise the bus Bill, quite separately from this. I have two more supplementa…”

“Before we come on to that, can I come back to something you said, Caroline? I am interested in everyone else’s view on this too. I am Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk. Caroline, you said you need all these different options. You cannot have a system without different choices, which I totally accept. But doesn’t the…”

“I beg to move amendment 21, in clause 117, page 149, line 11, at end insert— “(5A) In Schedule 13, paragraph 1(1), at end insert— ‘(j) advise the Government on measures relating to data ownership, and individuals’ rights and freedoms, in the delivery of its Data Vision and Strategy.’” This amendment amends the function…”

“I rise to speak to amendment 53. I thank the Minister for his comments, and it is a pleasure to serve under your chairship again, Mr Turner. I support the words of my hon. Friend the Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted. I am concerned not by the unchecked power of the Secretary of State under this regulation—we of cou…”

“I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.”

“New clause 10 requires the Government to bring forward a data vision and strategy within six months of the passing of the Bill, and amendment 21 would add a new function to the Information Commission to allow it to support the Government in the drafting and delivery of that data vision and strategy. New clause 11 seeks…”

“Let me put on record my thanks and appreciation to the resilience team at North Norfolk district council and its staff, and the port of Wells for its response and preparedness. It is not instantly clear what areas will be affected, and with changing winds and weather conditions, pollution can change course. North Norfo…”

“What would be ideal for bus and coach operators? Is it a daily job sheet? Is it a systems integration thing? What would be the best-case scenario?”

“In Cromer in my constituency, about 18 months ago, the Conservative-controlled county council closed down Benjamin Court reablement centre. That is exactly the sort of facility that we need to help bridge the gap between acute hospitals and community and primary care. Does my hon. Friend agree that we must work to reop…”

“Likewise, electricity companies have registers of vulnerable users and customers they have to proactively reach out to, so it is not beyond the wit of mankind.”

“Jack, your example of the map really proves the point that communication is only effective if it is received, and not just there. Any comments from you?”

“On alternatives and better things that we could do, you have all touched on what an alternative could look like. Are there any other comments on how information could be provided in a more user-friendly, accessible and better way? Emma, you were talking about alternative communications. The comment about digital inclus…”

“Thank you very much. I have a couple of supplementaries. You started talking about alternative better communication methods, which I am really interested in. Before we come back to that, specifically on emergency closures—perhaps even on things as prosaic as the signage, the information and the detail—I represent a rur…”

“Or faster, come to that. Jack?”

“We have talked a bit about management and co-ordination, but as a fan of things like water and internet, I am aware that the street has to get dug up. Isn’t this about information? Is the information about advance works that is provided to the public or to bus operators good enough?”

“On flexi-permits, you have described some of the very complex excavation scenarios. Some very simple ones are more likely to take place in rural areas. Does the flexi-permit system have the potential to incentivise street works operatives to complete works in under the current agreed timescale?”