Oral Answers to Questions

Dan Jarvis Excerpts

Tuesday 5th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hammond]

We are making good progress on improving junction 5 of the M2 and the A249 Stockbury roundabout, reducing journey times, making journeys safer and supporting future housing and employment growth. All that is in addition to recent investments from the local growth fund in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, including the opening of a new roundabout on the A2500 in December 2018, following a £1.26 million investment, and £2.5 million for the regeneration of Sittingbourne town centre.

[Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab)]

Funding for road infrastructure is very important, but I wonder whether the Chancellor thinks it should sit alongside investment in more active travel—walking and cycling.

--- Later in debate ---

[Elizabeth Truss]

My hon. Friend is right. We also need to ensure that we are spending money on the right things. For example, the changes this Government have made to phonics have seen our children go from some of the poorest readers in Europe to some of the best. It is about money, but it is also about what we do with that money.

[[R] Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab)]

T9. Given the urgent need for clarity on post-Brexit regional funding, when do the Government intend to launch the consultation on the UK shared prosperity fund?

[Mr Philip Hammond]

We regard the UK shared prosperity fund as very important, and we will launch a consultation this year on plans for the fund.