Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 29 November 2006 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Injured Soldiers

Question: May I add my tribute to Sergeant Hollingsworth of the Parachute Regiment? Can the Deputy Prime Minister help us to interpret the comments made to regional journalists by the Prime Minister on Monday? He said that people in the north should worry less about the north-south divide and regional inequalities, even though evidence from the Treasury suggests that regional inequalities in growth remain as significant as ever.

Answer: I am not so sure that the hon. Gentleman’s analysis is correct. I recognise that he spends an awful lot of time looking at economic data, but the latest report that I have seen—[Hon. Members: ““We can’t hear.””] I am sorry. I was just recognising the hon. Gentleman’s ability to contribute a great deal of information to our economic debates. However, the latest analysis that I have seen suggests that the differential between north and south has been reduced, thanks to work of the regional development agencies—[Interruption.] I appreciate that the RDAs were opposed by the Opposition, but they have played their part in a very successful economic policy that has led to a narrowing of the gap between north and south.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 453 c1078
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Economic situation North of England Armed forces Army Iraq Prime Minister Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan Visits
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk