Oral Answers to Questions

William Wragg Excerpts

Tuesday 24th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hammond]

As I have already said, the Government have made it clear—the Prime Minister set this out in the Florence speech—that we want to agree an implementation period as part of a deal with the European Union. We are greatly encouraged by the fact that, at last week’s European Council, the 27 agreed to start internal preparatory discussions on guidelines in relation to an implementation period. We are confident that that will give British businesses confidence that we are going to provide them with the certainty they require.

[Mr William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con)]

11. What assessment he has made of the effect of Government investment on infrastructure since 2010.

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

14. What assessment he has made of the effect of Government investment on infrastructure since 2010.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Stephen Barclay)]

Infrastructure is at the heart of the Government’s economic strategy, and our investment will boost productivity and growth. Since 2010, more than £250 billion has been spent on public and private sector infrastructure.

[Mr Wragg]

The biggest investments in transport infrastructure in generations, including the Ordsall rail curve in Greater Manchester, have been made possible by this Government. Will my hon. Friend commit to further investment in our rail network, particularly on local commuter routes through my constituency?

[Stephen Barclay]

My hon. Friend makes a good point. This Government have committed to the largest rail investment programme since Victorian times, including a £55.7 billion investment in High Speed 2. He will be aware of the Chancellor’s announcement in Manchester last month of £300 million to improve connectivity to High Speed 2 across the northern region.