South-west England (Long-term Economic Plan)

Richard Drax Excerpts

Wednesday 8th July 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

I hate difficult questions in the Commons. I entirely agree with my hon. Friend, who makes the point very well. It applies to police authorities, education authorities, health authorities and local government. This region has not spoken with a single voice sufficiently in recent times. Tonight we are seeing the beginning of that.

[Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)]

In the Chancellor’s excellent speech today, he hinted at enterprise zones for smaller towns. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the towns that we all represent are perfect locations for such zones to create wealth and jobs?

[Dr Fox]

My hon. Friend makes a very good point. If the Chancellor is looking for places where it would be appropriate for him to invest the money he has and where he would get a good bang for his buck, I am sure those of us here tonight could give him one or two pointers.