Investing in Britain’s Future Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Investing in Britain’s Future

Julian Smith Excerpts
Thursday 27th June 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Danny Alexander Portrait Danny Alexander
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I am committing to undertaking the improvements that are necessary to bring that road up to a proper standard. There is clearly the need for a detailed feasibility study to consider precisely what is needed at every stage of the route. The money is set aside for that investment between now and 2020, so it will take place.

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
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Superfast North Yorkshire is about to make North Yorkshire one of the first counties in England to deliver 90% broadband coverage, but we need a bit more help to get to 95%. We also have the Tour de France coming next year, and there is a big risk that the cyclists will come a cropper on our potholes. Can we have a conversation soon about how North Yorkshire can get the cash quicker?

Danny Alexander Portrait Danny Alexander
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I am sure that Ministers at the Department for Transport would be happy to have that conversation. As the hon. Gentleman will know, in the autumn statement last year, we set aside additional funds this year and next year for road maintenance and dealing with pinch points. I dare say that some of that money could be used to ensure that the Tour de France passes off without pothole-caused incidents.