Andrew Love
Main Page: Andrew Love (Labour (Co-op) - Edmonton)(13 years, 6 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Vince Cable
I am glad that I have, because that is indeed exactly what we are considering, albeit with appropriate protections for business.
Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op)
I regret, but perhaps more importantly I suspect that the Secretary of State will come to regret, the abolition of the regional development agencies. I note from his statement, however, that further discussions will take place between the Mayor of London and the London boroughs. Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account in those further discussions the sub-regional business hubs throughout London, and the growth corridors between London and areas outside London? In my area, the M11 is such a corridor. Will he take all those factors into account before making a decision?
Vince Cable
Yes, we will. In fact, one of the most imaginative and interesting LEPs is what we call the coast-to-capital LEP, uniting the south coast towns with southern London. That is exactly the kind of geographically based, common-sense approach that we want to encourage. It will link London with those parts outside the capital with which it has a natural economic affinity.