Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Reynolds and Vince Cable

Thursday 21st March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

There are a great many initiatives taking place. Apart from the advanced manufacturing supply chain finance announced this morning, we will be talking tomorrow about a new raft of initiatives for non-bank lending. The hon. Gentleman will have seen this morning’s ministerial statement on the future role of the business bank. He is right that the closure of the carpet factory is a serious blow, but it relates more to the viability of the company than to the ability of getting credit from banks.

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on aerospace, I want to welcome the announcement earlier this week of the aerospace technology institute. Will the Secretary of State or the Minister say more about the timetable for its creation and what types of investment it will support?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Reynolds and Vince Cable

Thursday 9th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

My colleague has been assiduous in supporting this important activity in his constituency. I am well aware of the problem, which is low-cost ethanol coming from the United States and apparent dumping practices—although that remains to be established. I have made representations to the European Union, which of course deals with trade policy matters, to ensure that this is properly dealt with under our trade policy instruments.

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

10. What progress has been made on the second round of allocations from the regional growth fund; and if he will make a statement.

Local Growth White Paper

Debate between Emma Reynolds and Vince Cable

Thursday 28th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

The Manufacturing Advisory Service provides one of the best industrial support activities, and we intend to continue it and continue to fund it. With reference to the hon. Gentleman’s area, I recently met representatives from several parties on the future of Stoke and the ceramics industry. Although it is a small industry, we want to continue to give support wherever we can.

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

Advantage West Midlands invested significantly in the i54 business site on the edge of my constituency and is maintaining and creating jobs for the local area. Will the Business Secretary reassure me that in the absence of Advantage West Midlands and a regional growth strategy, this significant asset will continue to be maintained by the Government or the local authority to ensure that it continues to bring vital jobs to the area?

[Vince Cable]

That is another question along the lines of the original question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) about the management of RDA assets. They will be managed carefully and, where it is appropriate and sensible, they will be passed over to local organisations, but in a way that realises value for money.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Reynolds and Vince Cable

Thursday 3rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)]

The Government intend to replace RDAs with local enterprise partnerships and to bring together business and local authorities to establish local accountability. Where they enjoy clear public support, the partnerships may take a similar form to existing RDAs. In making the necessary reductions in RDA budgets and reviewing their functions, we will seek to mitigate the impact on economically vulnerable parts of the country.

[Emma Reynolds]

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, and congratulate him and his team on their new positions. I wish them well.

Advantage West Midlands brings an economic benefit to the regional economy of over £7 for every £1 spent. Does the Secretary of State understand that the cuts that his Government have announced will put jobs at risk in my constituency and critical projects such as the i54 business park?