Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and David Jones

Wednesday 27th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had on the roll-out of superfast broadband in Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

The Government have demonstrated our commitment to superfast broadband by providing £150 million across the UK to fund super-connected cities including Cardiff and Newport, and almost £57 million to the Welsh Government to ensure that broadband access is available to homes and businesses in the hardest-to-reach parts of Wales.

[David Rutley]

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the Government’s aim is to provide a truly modern digital infrastructure that does not leave behind rural communities in Wales—and, for that matter, in Macclesfield?

[Mr Jones]

The Government have allocated £530 million to stimulate commercial investment to roll out high-speed broadband in rural communities and £150 million to improve mobile coverage where signals are poor or non-existent.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and David Jones

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

9. What discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues and Ministers in the Welsh Government on improving broadband infrastructure in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with ministerial colleagues, Welsh Government Ministers and other interested parties on improving broadband infrastructure in Wales.

[David Rutley]

Superfast broadband is an important priority in Macclesfield in our rural communities, just as it is in towns and villages across Wales. Is my hon. Friend disappointed that the Labour Welsh Government still have not announced the preferred bidder for the next-generation broadband for Wales project despite having promised to do so in December last year?

[Mr Jones]

Yes, the Welsh Assembly Government have been given double the expected Barnett consequential in order to deliver broadband infrastructure in Wales. I am reliably informed that an announcement will be made this summer.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and David Jones

Wednesday 23rd November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I am sure the hon. Gentleman listened carefully to my previous answers on the issue. I urge him and his constituents to engage with the consultation now proceeding.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

10. What recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues and Ministers in the Welsh Government on support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales.

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

11. What recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues and Ministers in the Welsh Government on support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones)]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and Ministers in the Welsh Government to support Welsh businesses.

[David Rutley]

Given the importance of SMEs in the vital task of job creation in Wales and across the United Kingdom, what steps are the Government taking to reduce the burden of regulation on businesses in Wales?

[Mr Jones]

My hon. Friend is correct. SMEs are the backbone of the Welsh economy and have long been so. Through our programme of reduction of regulation, we are easing the burden on SMEs and setting up new businesses. It is hoped that that will cause the sector to flourish in Wales.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Rutley and David Jones

Wednesday 11th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I am sure that the hon. Lady will also recognise that the economic legacy we inherited from Labour means that it is absolutely necessary that everybody should play their part in contributing to economic recovery. That means, sadly, that there will have to be an extension of the retirement age. I hope that she will explain that to her constituents.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

6. What discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues and the Welsh Assembly Government on improving broadband infrastructure in rural Wales.