Business of the House

Andrew Jones Excerpts

Thursday 29th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We have got the gist. I call Mr Andrew Jones.

[Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con)]

The UK internet economy is forecast to grow to 12% of our GDP by 2016. North Yorkshire is well placed to capitalise on that growth through its leadership of the broadband roll-out and its Superfast North Yorkshire project. May we have a debate on the digital economy and what progress we can make on that, as it is critical to future economic growth?

[Mr Lansley]

My hon. Friend is right, and across the country the Government are actively pursuing access to fast broadband so that every part of the country can have the economic stimulus that it provides, the social interconnections it sometimes enables, and better delivery of public services. I hope we will have a competition, because different places across the country are proceeding at different paces—from my experience, I am sure that north Yorkshire will be among those at the forefront of such a competition.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Andrew Jones.

[Andrew Jones]

I have just asked my question.

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Gentleman has asked his question. We are grateful to him and I should not have forgotten quite so quickly. I am sure that it was otherwise extremely memorable; it was entirely my fault.