Investment in Infrastructure 2022-10-11
2022-10-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the fiscal measures needed to support infrastructure investment projects.
What fiscal steps are being taken to support investment in infrastructure projects?
A critical part of the Government's growth plan is road, rail and energy infrastructure. We will be introducing legislation shortly to ensure that the delivery of that critical infrastructure is massively sped up.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify fiscal measures or funding amounts
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to establish a new university, MKU, in Milton Keynes to support future skills and employment. The area has already received £23 million through the towns fund.
Will the Minister meet me to discuss the idea of MKU: a brand-new university in Milton Keynes?
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a tireless champion for the great city of Milton Keynes. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss the idea along with colleagues from, perhaps, the Department for Education. I note that Milton Keynes has already received £23 million through the towns fund, but I am happy to meet him to discuss the idea.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the funding shortfalls of public infrastructure projects and asks if the Government will support such projects.
Given the rise in the cost of infrastructure projects, will the Minister confirm that where such projects have a shortfall in funding but are ready to go, the Government will step in and give additional funding to support them?
It is very much our intention to speed up projects where they are ready to go. The growth plan announced a few weeks ago made clear our commitment to doing that. The last spending review provided, I think, about £100 billion of funding towards critical economic infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm additional funding for specific projects with shortfalls
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Former Conservative energy minister Charles Hendry had approved the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project, but successive governments have not pursued it. The MP is asking for a reopening of the business case given the current energy crisis.
Given the energy crisis we are in, will the Minister consider reopening the business case?
The Government are extremely interested in all forms of new energy generation. We are determined to make sure that the United Kingdom is electricity-independent. We are looking at all kinds of projects, including marine projects. I understand that when the Swansea scheme was investigated there were questions about value for money.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm reopening business case or pursuing project
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the Government's plan to deliver the Acorn project, a critical energy infrastructure project in north east Scotland. The MP has pointed out that the speed of transformation at Downing Street contrasts with the pace of progress on the Acorn project.
When are the Government going to deliver the Acorn project in the north-east of Scotland?
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor says that that is something we are examining carefully. The hon. Gentleman's characterisation of the growth plan is extremely unfair. The real risk is not having a growth plan. The real risk is in having taxes that are too high.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide timeline or commitment for delivering Acorn project
Characterising The Question As Unfair
Discussing Risks Of Lack Of A Growth Plan
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of spending cuts on infrastructure spending in regions, especially in the north of England.
Could my right hon. Friend confirm that they will not come at the expense of reductions in vital infrastructure spending in our regions?
I am pleased to say, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor said when he introduced the growth plan, that expediting critical infrastructure was an important part of that plan. Without critical infrastructure, we are not going to see the growth in jobs or wages and the prosperity that we all want.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm no cuts for infrastructure spending
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is inquiring about specific infrastructure funding for investment zones established by the Government. The concern is if these will be additional or unfunded expenditure commitments.
Will the Government have specifically targeted funds for infrastructure projects in those zones?
I think the Chancellor set out the investment zone concept very clearly. There will be, by agreement with local authorities, planning freedoms and very significant tax cuts. Infrastructure investments are being handled separately to that, but it would be reasonable to expect a degree of co-ordination between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Department for Transport.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific infrastructure funding for investment zones
Response accuracy