Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Wharton of Yarm and Danny Alexander

Tuesday 8th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con)]

T4. The 2010 North East Research and Information Partnership annual jobs report shows a net increase in employment in the region of about 1,300 jobs over the past year. What are the Government doing to ensure that the private sector recovery in the regions continues?

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander)]

The Chancellor announced measures in the Budget on corporation tax and national insurance breaks, particularly for companies in the regions. We have set up local enterprise partnerships, which enable local authorities and businesses to work together to promote their own economic interests, and in due course we will announce the first round of decisions on the regional growth fund, which will help to support exactly the sort of initiatives the hon. Gentleman is concerned about.