Economic Development (North-East)

Debate between Ed Davey and Phil Wilson

Tuesday 15th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

We are seeing the creation of new manufacturing jobs in the north-east. I hope that the hon. Gentleman welcomes that. I am glad that he has noted that manufacturing and manufacturing exports appear to be picking up. We cannot be complacent about that, which is why we are determined to do the things that I am outlining.

[Phil Wilson]

rose—

[Mr Davey]

I will give way, but I do then want to make some progress.

[Phil Wilson]

I thank the Minister for giving way. Does what he said about manufacturing mean that the Government will give the go-ahead for the Hitachi factory at Newton Aycliffe?

[Mr Davey]

That was a good try, but the hon. Gentleman knows that I am not the Minister responsible for that decision. I congratulate him on his attempt. I would have thought that he would welcome much of what the Government are doing on matters such as apprenticeships, which I believe give businesses in the north-east a lot of the backing that they need.