Helen Goodman has question the Minister of State for Schools Mr Nick Gibb on the issue of children who live in so-called broadband ‘not spots’ in County Durham.

Helen questioned the Minister during Education questions, where she raised the case of two villages in County Durham where broadband access is very poor.

She asked “In Byers Green and Binchester in my constituency there are broadband not-spots—they are surrounded by areas that are well served—and so children are told to do homework, using broadband, that they simply cannot do. Will the Minister either lobby his colleagues to ensure that broadband is accessible throughout the country or take steps to make sure that secondary schools stop requiring children to do homework that they simply cannot do?”

Helen’s question followed on from a public meeting in Byer’s Green earlier this month, where the issue of poor broadband connectivity was one of the major issues discussed.

Helen’s question, and the Minister’s answer can be read here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111121/debtext/111121-0001.htm#1111216000498

In her new role as the Shadow spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport Helen has given her perspective on cuts to BBC Local Radio, and has raised the issue of BBC cuts in County Durham with BBC Director General Mark Thompson. Read more »