Debates between John Glen and Lord Mackinlay of Richborough during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Lord Mackinlay of Richborough
Tuesday 3rd July 2018

(6 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Mackinlay of Richborough Portrait Craig Mackinlay (South Thanet) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

13. What steps he is taking to invest in infrastructure in Kent.

John Glen Portrait The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen)
- Hansard - -

The Government are committed to ensuring that every part of the country has a modern and efficient infrastructure. In Kent, the extent of superfast broadband has risen from 33% to 95% since 2010, and the South East local enterprise partnership has secured £590 million for 30 transport schemes. Work has recently begun on a £105 million upgrade to junction 10a of the M20.

Lord Mackinlay of Richborough Portrait Craig Mackinlay
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Given that Kent is on the frontline of EU border trade and that local plans involve the potential of more than 100,000 new homes over the next 15 years, will my hon. Friend consider investing in the dualling of the A2 and the A256 to improve traffic flows and resilience in east Kent?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
- Hansard - -

My hon. Friend makes a very sensible point. The dualling of the A2 near Dover was raised as an issue in Highways England’s route strategy for Kent and is being considered alongside other investments. The A256 is part of the indicative major road network and the Department will be publishing the final network by the end of the year. If it is included, it will be a matter for the local authority, working with the subnational transport bodies, to determine whether to bid into the fund.