All 1 Debates between Helen Goodman and Chris Davies

BT Broadband Provision: Local Businesses

Debate between Helen Goodman and Chris Davies
Thursday 10th March 2016

(8 years, 8 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Helen Goodman Portrait Helen Goodman
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The hon. Lady has put it beautifully.

Chris Davies Portrait Chris Davies (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
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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 Portrait Helen Goodman
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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.