David T C Davies
Main Page: David T C Davies (Conservative - Monmouth)Department Debates - View all David T C Davies's debates with the Leader of the House
(12 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mr Hunt
I hope to meet Commissioner Almunia next week or, certainly, in the next few weeks to hasten that process as fast as possible, and we still very much hope that all local authorities will have signed their contracts by the end of this calendar year, so that the digging of trenches and the laying of fibre along poles can take place from the beginning of next year.
David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)
2. What recent progress he has made on his plans to ensure the UK has the best superfast broadband network in Europe.
Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con)
6. What recent progress he has made on his plans to ensure the UK has the best superfast broadband network in Europe.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt)
I have now approved 37 out of 43 local broadband plans—that is, almost 90% across the whole country—and nine are in procurement. A number of those are almost ready to begin delivery, and the other projects are being prepared for procurement with support from Broadband Delivery UK, which is also finalising details for the broadband delivery framework contract.
David T. C. Davies
May I congratulate the Minister on the progress that he is making on superfast broadband, but ask that this not be done at the expense of those living in remote rural areas, such as parts of Monmouthshire, who have yet to see any form of broadband whatsoever?