Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps he has taken to increase manufacturing job opportunities in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside and (c) the north east.

Government is supporting jobs growth and economic development through the £379.6m North East Growth Deal, estimated by the Local Enterprise Partnership to create 8,000 jobs.

This includes funding for the International Advanced Manufacturing Park – a 100-hectare site which will provide a world-class environment for high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing businesses. Sunderland Council estimates that it will bring £300 million of private sector investment into the region, and help support and grow the manufacturing sector in the North East.