Fears have been raised that the SNP’s £600 million pledge to deliver superfast broadband to all Scottish homes and offices could be three years late.
Connectivity minister Paul Wheelhouse was asked yesterday at Holyrood if he would resign if the R100 programme failed to meet the Scottish Government’s 2021 target date.
Questions were asked after it emerged a Scottish Government procurement document said ministers still needed “key management resources” to deliver the programme “over the next four years”.
North-east Tory MSP, Peter Chapman, reminded Mr Wheelhosue that Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing had said if R100 was not delivered by 2021 it would be time for someone to take over from him.
Mr Chapman said: “The scheme will not be delivered within this timeframe, will the minister follow the rural secretary’s example?”
Mr Wheelhouse said deadlines had been met in the past on budget.
“The Scottish Government will deliver on broadband,” the minister said.
“The SNP is already well ahead of any UK party in its commitment to deliver superfast broadband with timescale ahead of any other UK party.”
Holyrood hears fears that superfast broadband target will be missed
