Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Healey and David Gauke

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

This is one of those rare occasions when the Chief Secretary can be like the man from Del Monte and say yes.

[John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab)]

The northern powerhouse plans in south Yorkshire are at risk. In the 1980s, our economic regeneration was kick-started by funding from Europe and it still supports small businesses, training and apprenticeships, so may I give the Chief Secretary another chance? Will he guarantee that the £174 million that has been pledged to south Yorkshire under the current programme will be paid in full?

[Mr Gauke]

The right hon. Gentleman will understand, as a former Treasury Minister, that there is a need for consistency. My answer remains that we will make an announcement soon. We recognise the point that he is making and the desire to remove uncertainty, but I am not in a position to make an announcement this morning.