Shared Rural Network

Debate between Lord Browne of Belmont and Baroness Barran

Monday 28th October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

My noble friend gives an interesting example of some of the creativity going on in this area in our rural communities, and I shall certainly share that with colleagues in the department. We have made a start in trying to build rural gigabit connectivity with a £200 million programme that is upgrading public sector buildings to act as gigabit-capable connectivity hubs—that is rather difficult to say—and trying to make them as attractive as possible for investors to encourage further deployment beyond the hubs. I will certainly share my noble friend’s thoughts with colleagues.

[Lord Browne of Belmont (DUP)]

My Lords, in the absence of an economy Minister in Northern Ireland, can the Minister confirm that the additional £155 million allocated by the Government to improve broadband in Northern Ireland can be released in the years 2020-21 and 2021-22?

[Baroness Barran]

I apologise, but I should hate to get that wrong, so I should like to confirm that to the noble Lord in writing.