Oral Answers to Questions

Steve McCabe Excerpts

Thursday 3rd June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

9. What plans he has for future support for businesses in Merseyside and the north-west; and if he will make a statement.

[Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)]

12. For what reasons his Department plans to replace regional development agencies with local economic partnerships.

[Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD)]

15. What plans he has for the future of the regional development agency in the north-east; and if he will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[Vince Cable]

Within days of taking up this job I went to the north-west of England. I visited the RDA and talked to the chairman and chief executive and to businesses in the region. I reassured them that we are well aware of the problems faced by Merseyside and the north-west, and that it is an area of priority in terms of resources.

[Steve McCabe]

I too congratulate the Secretary of State, and I heard what he said about not tinkering too much in the west midlands. How many jobs would have to be lost in the west midlands before he considers this policy to be a failure?

[Vince Cable]

I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on being returned to the House. I remember that he was a formidable force in the Government Whips Office in his day. He has already noted the acceptance that the west midlands has particular structural problems, and they will be taken into account in the reordering of the RDAs. In my first answer, I stressed that the changes depend very much on the reaction of local business and local authorities. I am sure that he will make representations to Birmingham city council and local businesses, and I hope that they will reflect the priority that he wishes to give.