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Economic Downturn (Unemployment)

I recognise that my hon. Friend has worked closely with Liberal Democrat colleagues on the issue. It is something that my colleagues in the Department are aware of, and we are looking carefully at it, because of the unique circumstances that apply to the region in relation to water charging. My hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport talked about how the south-west, particularly Cornwall, had benefited from European aid, and that is true. The European Union is often criticised. It is often forgotten that it brings significant advantages, particularly to our region, perhaps above any other region in the country. She also talked about the south-west’s important role in relation to green energy technologies and the economy, and I share her view on that. It is an important way in which we can move forward to build on the aerospace, car and high-tech industries in our region. The hon. Member for South-West Devon talked about the importance of higher internet speeds With us having a disproportionately large number of businesses that are remote and distant geographically, it is important that they have top-class communications and that rural communities and our region are not forgotten about. He will be aware of the many statements the Government have made in the past few months in which they have recognised that as a problem and are rising to that challenge. However, this is not just a one-off approach to internet speeds that the Government are adopting: we must keep looking at the cutting-edge technologies as they become available to ensure that we do not rest on our laurels but keep looking to provide the fastest possible speeds and the best possible communication for our region and our communities. On the hon. Gentleman’s specific question on economic lag, I cannot give him an answer off the top of my head, but I will be happy to write to him about that.