The second-newest MP in the Commons secured an adjournment debate yesterday on the transport needs of her constituents.
Chloe Smith (Con, Norwich North) took her seat last month.
She lost her place as the newest MP when Willie Bain (Lab, Glasgow NE) took his seat in the Commons on Wednesday.
However, at 27 years old she is still the youngest MP, known as the Baby of the House.
Smith opened the adjournment debate by calling for a Norwich northern distributor road.
She pointed out that the transport needs of constituents situated on the boundaries between Norwich and Norfolk were not being met.
She said the development of transport infrastructure was vital for the strategic aims of the region and that the road would ‘have a positive impact on businesses.
Smith continued to talk about the dangers of under-investment in this area and pointed out the threat of companies relocating.
She said in an area such as Norwich renowned for its vibrancy in the creative industries, research, engineering and other start-ups private enterprise was vital for pulling the community out of recession.
"The road scheme stands up in its own right: it is vital for jobs, prosperity and people's everyday lives," she told the House.
"It would be crucial in opening up a range of transport choices - public, private and green - and it also has strategic significance and wide support."
Junior transport minister Chris Mole responded to calls for government to confirm whether the project could go ahead by saying he agreed that "good transport is fundamental to building thriving and prosperous communities".
He said that since 2000-01 funding to local authorities for transport in every region has doubled, excluding London, to more than £1.345 billion this financial year.
He went on to focus on the eastern region by saying investment has been raised from £57 million in 2000-01 to £163 million in 2009-10 which constitutes an increase of 186 per cent.
The minister pointed out that since 2005 the decision making power in England about transport schemes with regionally and local impact is decided through the regional funding allocation process.
The regional funding allocation advice received from the eastern region in 2006 noted that the development of the proposed Norwich northern distributor road was a priority for funding, he said.
The government also decided to provide funding of £21 million towards the Postwick hub interchange scheme and decided it would not be possible to release the funds until the government’s assessment of the proposed Norwich northern distributor road was completed.
"I hope to be able to come to a conclusion and make a decision by Christmas on whether or not to grant initial funding for the scheme," Mole said.
