Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Matt Western and Andrew Stephenson

Tuesday 30th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Stephenson]

I agree with my hon. Friend and welcome his support for the good work of the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP and his local councils. My officials will work with his LEP and its local authority partners to produce a local industrial strategy for Berkshire that will boost productivity and support business start-ups. That is in addition to the £142 million local growth fund investment that we have already made in the county.

[Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab)]

Similarly, in my constituency, young entrepreneurs trying to set up businesses, particularly in the digital sector, face a real shortage in the availability of electricity through the district grid—an issue identified by my local LEP. Will the Minister agree to meet me and the LEP to see what can be done to improve the situation?

[Andrew Stephenson]

We are working closely with LEPs on this issue, but I will be more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.