BT Broadband Provision: Local Businesses
Debate between Helen Goodman and Chris DaviesWestminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
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Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
On behalf of the Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and as a member of that Committee, which interviewed the chief executive of the Rural Payments Agency yesterday, I hasten to add that although broadband is difficult for our farmers, it is not the only reason why the Rural Payments Agency is not delivering at the moment. I just want that on the record because I would hate the chief executive purely to blame broadband for the delay.
Helen Goodman
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I have 1,000 sheep farmers in my constituency and I know that to be true.
I want proper service for the small businesses in my constituency, particularly at the Teesdale end, which has been ill-served up to now. There are general lessons to be learned for BT, for Openreach and for the Government, and I hope we can make some progress on those general lessons.