Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 13th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The Minister may not have long to wait for the question that he anticipates.

[Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD)]

11. Does the Minister agree that any change to licence fee enforcement would go against the coalition agreement of 2010, which committed to a full financial settlement for the BBC up to the end of 2016-17, given that it has been estimated that the amendment, if passed, could cost the BBC £200 million a year in revenue?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Vaizey]

I will strain every sinew to ensure that the programme remains on track. That is my pledge to the hon. Lady and I am pleased to say that our programme is now ahead of schedule, that BT has completed its £2.5 billion commercial roll-out and that we have the best broadband of the big five in Europe.

[Mr Speaker]

The Minister’s endeavours will be a challenge to the most vivid of imaginations.