Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Mills Excerpts
Tuesday 14th October 2014

(10 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Deputy Prime Minister was asked—
Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)
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1. What discussions he has with the D2N2 local enterprise partnership on devolving powers and responsibilities from Whitehall.

Greg Clark Portrait The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Greg Clark)
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During negotiations on the growth deals, I met all local enterprise partnerships, including D2N2. The growth deal in my hon. Friend’s area will mean that £174 million previously held by central Government will be devolved to his area, creating jobs, investing in the skills needed by local employers, improving roads and supporting small businesses. I am determined to build on that deal and will visit the area shortly to discuss what further powers and resources can be devolved.

Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills
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D2N2 has made Nottingham road in Ripley in my seat one of its key sites for growth. The area suffers terribly from traffic congestion. Is funding available to complete a bypass for Ripley and Codnor so that we can relieve that congestion?

Greg Clark Portrait Greg Clark
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I am familiar with that proposal. It was not put forward as a priority by the local enterprise partnership but, as I have said, I am keen to have a further look at what other schemes will make a big impact locally. My hon. Friend has made a powerful piece of advocacy for it today, and perhaps when I am in the area I will look at it.