Speaking in Oral Answers to Questions (Treasury), the MP for Bolton West asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury what steps he is taking to support Regional Infrastructure Development.
David Gauke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, replied "We recognise the importance of infrastructure provision in all regions of the United Kingdom. That is why at autumn statement 2016 we committed additional capital to fund high-value economic infrastructure through the national productivity investment fund. We are committed to putting local and regional needs at the heart of this fund. For example, we are spending £1.1 billion on local projects to improve our existing transport networks. That will deliver improvements to hundreds of roads across the country."
Later in the session, Chris Green asked "I welcome the investment in the electrification of the rail line between Manchester and Preston, but what more can the Chancellor do to ensure that we have vital road links, such as the Westhoughton bypass?" to which the Chief Secretary to the Treasury replied "The Government are investing more than £13 billion in transport projects in the north and supporting local road schemes such as the Manchester airport relief road and the Heysham M6 link road. The Government are also looking at options for the Highways England north-west quadrant that should ease congestion in places such as Westhoughton."