Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Martin Vickers

Thursday 18th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

14. What recent assessment he has made of the prospects for economic growth in the Humber sub-region.

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

We are working hard to support the Humber local enterprise partnership to deliver the priorities for growth set out in their plan for the Humber. In round 4 of the regional growth fund £21.3 million was allocated to two successful bids from the Humber, one of them from the local authority in my hon. Friend’s constituency.

[Martin Vickers]

The local economy is experiencing something of a renaissance. Only yesterday, I and colleagues from neighbouring constituencies met a representative from Scunthorpe-based Wren Kitchens, which is looking to take over the former Kimberley Clark factory at Barton-upon-Humber, which closed earlier this year with the loss of 500 jobs. The hope is that, within two or three years, those jobs will be replaced one-for-one. It is a major site and there were fears that it would turn into a rusting hulk. Will my right hon. Friend, or one of his ministerial team, commit to visiting the factory when it opens in the near future?

[Vince Cable]

I praise my hon. Friend for the work that he has done. He has already taken me to his constituency and shown me the plans for the area. The Kimberley Clark closure was a major blow and it is good to hear that it is being replaced. Last week I was with the Humber local enterprise partnership when it met in Hull. We discussed some of these plans, particularly the enormous potential of the energy sector in the North sea. I am certainly very happy to visit that factory in due course.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Martin Vickers

Thursday 8th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

I believe it will go ahead; I have made further inquiries since the hon. Gentleman’s original question.

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

The Secretary of State visited my constituency in July, closely followed by the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), clearly recognising the need to boost the local economy. Since that time, we have had two enterprise zones, regional growth fund successes, a new road scheme and the halving of the Humber bridge tolls. My constituents are asking: what next?

[Vince Cable]

I think there is an expression that goes, “post hoc ergo propter hoc”. It is not just a coincidence.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Martin Vickers

Thursday 18th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

The Secretary of State mentions that one of his key responsibilities is growth. North Lincolnshire council in my constituency recently gave planning permission for a major development that offers an opportunity for a renewable energy cluster. Will he visit the area in the near future so as to understand the full potential that it offers?

[Vince Cable]

I have a long queue of engagements, but I shall add that to the list. It sounds a very promising opportunity.