Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rural Communities

Thursday 30 March 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew Bridgen asked about supporting rural businesses with financial assistance, and the Minister responded with details of 5 billion Project Gigabit funding and 1 billion shared rural network funding.
  • Andrew Bridgen inquired about expanding the National Forest Company, and the Minister agreed to look into the matter.
  • Chris Bryant congratulated the new Clerk of the House, Tom Goldsmith, and the Minister stated she would liaise with colleagues to respond to the technical question via email.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bridgen Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The question is prompted by the need to provide support to rural areas which face unique challenges.

Question

What steps she is taking to support rural communities. Rural businesses in communities are facing significant challenges and require financial assistance, such as Project Gigabit funding and shared rural network funding, to ensure they can thrive.

Answer from Trudy Harrison

We are supporting rural businesses with £5 billion of Project Gigabit funding and £1 billion of shared rural network funding. We aim to improve their connectivity so that rural areas can thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide a specific timeline or additional commitments beyond mentioning existing funding.

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Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The expansion of the National Forest has provided numerous benefits to communities in North West Leicestershire, including job creation and improved infrastructure.

Question

Could the Minister give her advice on how we can continue to expand the National Forest Company to include villages just outside the forest?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

I will certainly look into how we can continue to expand the National Forest Company, as requested by my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoids providing a specific plan or timeline for expansion beyond stating an intention to explore options.

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Q3 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question is prompted by an announcement from the Speaker regarding a new appointment.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you for the email announcing that the new Clerk of the House will be Tom Goldsmith. I am grateful to be the first to congratulate him.

Answer from Trudy Harrison

The hon. Gentleman raises a technical question and I will liaise with colleagues in the Department for Transport to respond to him via email.

Not addressed: The answer does not address any specific substance of the congratulatory message but indicates that a response will be provided through official channels.

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Q4 Patricia Gibson SNP
Economy Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Rural Scottish businesses are facing financial concerns due to the high cost of living, with many postponing investment plans.

Question

According to a survey, nine out of ten rural Scottish businesses have financial concerns and three quarters are postponing investments. Despite previous announcements, can she provide additional support for these struggling communities?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

There is a range of support available, including the household support fund and initiatives from the Department for Business and Trade on transitioning to green energy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify new measures or additional funding but mentions existing programs without addressing the specific ask for further help.

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