Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Loder Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I will take the issue up with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

[Chris Loder (West Dorset) (Con)]

Being gay in the farming community is incredibly hard, not least because of isolation. The Gay Farmer Helpline plays a vital support role, but has highlighted a high suicide rate. What is the Minister doing to support gay farmers, and will she meet me and representatives of the helpline to see what else we can do? [R]

[Elizabeth Truss]

Farming is a vital industry in Britain, and I want all farmers to feel supported. I applaud the work of groups such as Agrespect in supporting LGBT farmers to thrive. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and his colleagues to discuss what more we can do.

Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Loder Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to ensure value for money in infrastructure investment.

[Chris Loder (West Dorset) (Con)]

16. What steps his Department is taking to ensure value for money in infrastructure investment.

[Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con)]

18. What steps his Department is taking to ensure value for money in infrastructure investment.

--- Later in debate ---

[Penny Mordaunt]

I know that this is a frustration for my hon. Friend’s constituents. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority has worked with the Department for Transport and across Government to identify and implement the key lessons to be learned from such major projects, and the IPA provides challenge that is fair and accurate, through an independent assurance review of major Government projects.

[Chris Loder]

Will my right hon. Friend assure me of the Government’s commitment to vital rail infrastructure funding for Dorset and the surrounding counties, given that we have a three-hourly rail frequency in our county and it takes us almost three hours to get to London?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his election and, as the whole House is aware, for going above and beyond the call of duty in ensuring that his constituents could use train services during the recent strikes. As I say, we are investing an additional £100 billion in infrastructure, and we are seeking to ensure that we prioritise the right projects, taking a whole-network and whole-life-value approach. His representations have been well made, and they are being listened to.