Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Danny Alexander (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 2 February 2010 on behalf of the Treasury.

Topical Questions

Question: In the run-up to the last Budget, the Economic Secretary kindly met representatives of Highlands council and me to discuss the proposals for temporary relief from the council's huge housing debt repayments, which were intended specifically to create jobs in the local construction sector. Given the need to continue to support jobs and growth in the economy over the next year, will the Economic Secretary look again at the council's positive, constructive suggestion of a way to create jobs in the highlands?

Answer: As the hon. Gentleman will remember, there was correspondence later which was followed up. However, I appreciate his concern about the impact of the problem in his area and the potential of the council's proposals, and I shall be more than happy to look at those proposals again.

Secondary information