Oral Answers to Questions

Rehman Chishti Excerpts

Tuesday 10th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

I know that the hon. Gentleman would like to rewrite history, but there was a decisive result in the Scottish referendum, and the vow has been delivered completely and faithfully.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

4. What assessment he has made of progress on implementing Medway’s growth deal.

[The Minister for Universities, Science and Cities (Greg Clark)]

The South East local enterprise partnership has a large portfolio of projects ready to start in April, including 22 in the Thames Gateway, 12 of which will have a direct impact in Medway. For example, a new Kent and Medway growth hub will deliver improved advice services to local businesses.

[Rehman Chishti]

I thank the Minister for his answer and the Government for the £33.4 million given to Medway, which will create more jobs and businesses and get Medway moving with better transport infrastructure. I know that local authorities have received a letter, but when will the formal agreements be signed with them?

[Greg Clark]

The money will be available from April, and my colleagues and I are going around signing the agreements, but no LEPs should wait to have the signature on the dotted line: they can plan with confidence in the projects that have been funded.