Oral Answers to Questions

David Amess Excerpts

Tuesday 18th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Simon Kirby]

I am fully aware of the problems on the A27 and their impact on the A259 in my constituency, and I look forward to doing all I can to work with my hon. Friend to reach a solution.

[Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

11. What steps he is taking to support regional infrastructure development.

[Chris Green (Bolton West) (Con)]

14. What steps he is taking to support regional infrastructure development.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

We recognise the importance of infrastructure provision in all regions of the United Kingdom. That is why at autumn statement 2016 we committed additional capital to fund high-value economic infrastructure through the national productivity investment fund. We are committed to putting local and regional needs at the heart of this fund. For example, we are spending £1.1 billion on local projects to improve our existing transport networks. That will deliver improvements to hundreds of roads across the country.

[Sir David Amess]

What further help can my right hon. Friend give to infrastructure projects in Southend West, including the A127 corridor improvement works?

[Mr Gauke]

My hon. Friend is a tireless advocate of the case for Southend. Indeed, we met in November to discuss some of these issues. It is worth pointing out that the Government have supported improvements to the A127, with more than £35 million of local growth funding. Furthermore, local authorities will have the opportunity to bid into the £490 million local transport pot as part of the national productivity investment fund.