Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Bingham Excerpts

Thursday 10th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, the man with the dazzling tie to beat all dazzling ties. I call Mr Andrew Bingham.

[Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con)]

15. What steps his Department are taking to ensure that British firms benefit from the Government’s transport infrastructure investment.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin)]

The Department engages extensively with the market to raise awareness of forthcoming business—equipping British firms with the information and skills they need to respond to opportunities. Through the Rail Supply Group, we are working to strengthen the capability of the UK rail supply chain so that UK-based suppliers are better able to win work here and abroad.

[Andrew Bingham]

I can promise you, Mr Speaker, that my tie was not based on the original design for Spaghetti junction.

Much of the infrastructure that will be built as part of the plan will also benefit my constituents, because most of the lime that will be used will come from the High Peak quarries, hugely benefiting the supply chain and the wider economy. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, when we look at the Glossop spur, which we are promised as part of the infrastructure plan, the biggest gain will be to my local companies as they can get business in and out of the area? Furthermore, if that work was extended around Tintwistle, as I would like, it would further help and encourage my local businesses and local economy.

[Mr McLoughlin]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for pointing out the opportunities for firms in his constituency, which I know incredibly well. Indeed, I have visited Tintwistle with him on numerous occasions and he has pointed out the improvements that he wishes to see. The road investment programme will, in part, help us to move towards those improvements, but the work that Colin Matthews is doing on the wider issue of a tunnel will also be important for his area.