Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jesse Norman and David Duguid

Tuesday 1st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jesse Norman]

I do not have the number to hand, but I would be glad to write to the right hon. Gentleman with it.

[David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)]

I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment yesterday of £5 billion to support gigabit broadband across the whole of the United Kingdom. He will be aware that, historically, the Scottish Government have been responsible for the roll-out of superfast broadband, which is way behind what they promised, and not a penny of the £600 million that they announced in 2017 has been spent. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that future broadband funding will be paid directly to local authorities, bypassing the Scottish Government, who have failed rural constituents such as mine more than most?