Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Vera Baird (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 6 July 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Teesport (Expansion)

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. The project is indeed a big one, capable of generating around 7,000 jobs in a sub-region where unemployment is still twice the national average. Is he aware that similar applications for port expansion at Felixtowe, Harwich and London could have a major impact on the viability of Teesport's proposals? Will he confirm that our interests will be part of the context in which those applications are considered? Will he do his level best to help us to help ourselves to get a thriving deep-water container port at Teesport, and a huge economic boost for the Tees valley?

Answer: I hope that my hon. and learned Friend and the House will understand that I cannot pre-empt or comment on specific planning proposals. However, I am confident that Teesport has a strong future supporting international trade and regional regeneration. I note that the urban regeneration company Tees Valley Regeneration has a successful 6 Jul 2005 : Column 286 track record, having spearheaded the creation of more than 12,000 jobs and inward investment of over £500 million over the past eight years. I note too that she and other colleagues are expecting to meet my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department for Transport later this month. I am sure that they will continue to press the case for Teesport as effectively as they have done already.

Secondary information