Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Maynard Excerpts

Tuesday 4th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

6. What progress he has made on his policy to create a northern powerhouse for the UK economy.

[Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con)]

9. What progress he has made on his policy to create a northern powerhouse for the UK economy.

[Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)]

10. What progress he has made on his policy to create a northern powerhouse for the UK economy.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Osborne]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. A record number of people are now employed in the north of England, but the gap between north and south grew under those 13 years of Labour government. If the House wants one example of a project that was waiting to be completed but was entirely neglected by the Labour Government, it is the Mersey Gateway bridge, which this Government are now building and to which they are committed—and, thanks to my hon. Friend’s campaigning, there will be no tolls for local residents.

[Paul Maynard]

I welcome the Chancellor’s obvious commitment to the northern economy. Does he agree that a commitment to exports will be at the heart of its regeneration, and will he join me in praising Victrex, a company in my constituency, which exports 97% of what it produces? Is that not what will drive a northern renaissance?

[Mr Osborne]

My hon. Friend, who is a powerful champion of the businesses in his constituency which employ local people, has told me about Victrex and its exporting success. That success is being replicated by other manufacturers in the north of England which are increasing their exports. The energy revolution in the Fylde area and on the Blackpool coast is creating the potential for a national college to develop the engineering and other skills that will be required. My hon. Friend has made a strong bid for that college to be in his constituency, and I am listening very carefully to the case that he is making.