Wycombe MP gets High Speed 2 scrutiny role (From Bucks Free Press)

Wycombe MP gets High Speed 2 scrutiny role

11:13am Friday 5th November 2010 in Wycombe district By James Nadal

WYCOMBE MP Steve Baker will hold the Government to account on its transport strategy – including High Speed 2 – after being elected to the Transport Select Committee.

The controversial HS2 rail plans, which are vehemently opposed by many in the Chilterns, will be among the key issues Mr Baker will have to examine.

The committee is one of a number which carry out work in the House of Commons looking at policy issues and examining legislation.

It is not a Government position.

The role of the Committee is “to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Department for Transport and its associated public bodies.”

Mr Baker said: “As a keen driver and motorcyclist with experience in the air and at sea, I am delighted by this appointment.

“I know that the Government’s high-speed rail proposals will come before the committee as part of the continuing Transport and the Economy inquiry and I look forward to scrutinising these formally.

“No doubt we will have the opportunity to consider the motorway network in due course and I will be sure to press the case for noise abatement.”

He is one of 11 MPs who will sit on the committee.