Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Reid Excerpts

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State for Culture Olympics, Media and Sport was asked—

[Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD)]

1. What recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Government on broadband coverage in Scotland.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey)]

My Department and the Scotland Office have had regular discussions with the Scottish Government on broadband coverage in Scotland, including on the delivery of two projects for the highlands and islands and for the rest of Scotland. These projects will make superfast broadband available to more than 670,000 homes and businesses.

[Mr Reid]

I thank the Minister for that answer, but approximately 17% of the homes in Argyll and Bute will not receive next generation broadband from the BT contract to lay fibre-optic cables. More innovative solutions are needed to deliver next generation broadband throughout the highlands and islands. Will my hon. Friend work with the Scottish Government to come up with innovative solutions, so that all the homes in Argyll and Bute can have access to next generation broadband?

[Mr Vaizey]

I will certainly do that. I am sure my hon. Friend will welcome the additional £250 million that has been found to take superfast broadband coverage to 95% by 2017.