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Private Equity (Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment) Bill

I, as much as any other hon. Member, am waiting with bated breath to hear my hon. Friend's examples, which he said 10 minutes ago—not half an hour or 25 minutes ago—that he would come on to. My hon. Friend mentioned the importance of the regions, and as I look around and see hon. Members in their places I note that many regions are represented. He specifically mentioned the north-west. Great emphasis is placed on the City boys and financial brokers who are based in the City, but does he agree that such people are also important in the regions? In Manchester, for example, quite a considerable number of people are involved in stocks and shares and equity deals. It is important to us in the regions that we safeguard those jobs as well as encourage investment.