Broadband

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 12 February 2014.

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Photo of Guto Bebb Guto Bebb Conservative, Aberconwy 11:30, 12 February 2014

What assessment he has made of the effects on Wales of the Government’s policy on superfast broadband roll-out.

Photo of Stephen Crabb Stephen Crabb The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, The Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

As a result of the £57 million investment by this coalition Government in Westminster, the roll-out of superfast broadband in Wales will transform our broadband network. Last month, it was confirmed that 100,000 Welsh homes and businesses can now get access to superfast broadband.

Photo of Guto Bebb Guto Bebb Conservative, Aberconwy

I thank the Minister for his response. I welcome the fact that the roll-out is doing well in Wales. Will he respond to the fact that Llandudno and Llandudno junction, which are key commercial centres in north Wales, are not even scheduled for roll-out as yet? Is that another example of the Welsh Labour Government prioritising south Wales over north Wales?

Photo of Stephen Crabb Stephen Crabb The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, The Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

All Welsh Members of Parliament want their constituencies to be at the front of the queue for superfast broadband. The roll-out implementation plans are agreed between BT Cymru, the Welsh Government and Broadband Delivery UK. If my hon.

Friend has specific concerns about that process, will he please raise them with me, and I will ensure that they get an airing?

Photo of Glyn Davies Glyn Davies Conservative, Montgomeryshire

I represent a very rural constituency where poor broadband is a particularly important issue. Has my hon. Friend made any assessment of the effect of poor internet connections on property values? That issue applies to the whole of Britain as well.

Photo of Stephen Crabb Stephen Crabb The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, The Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

I am not aware of any specific studies on the value of properties with regard to a lack of access to good quality broadband, but I recognise the point that my hon. Friend makes. High quality broadband is vital for revitalising the private sector and many of our rural communities.