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Regional Economy (Tackling the Recession)

Given the long-standing difficulties, which have been with us for several decades, I have offered a rational way forward and I hope that I can count on the right hon. Gentleman’s support in trying to make it a reality. Incidentally, I was grateful for his kind remarks about the work of the development agency. Our development agency serves our region well and is a good example to development agencies in other parts of the country. The right hon. Gentleman has spoken kindly about the development agency’s work, but I understand that it is his party’s policy to abolish it. Perhaps he can reassure me on that and also join me in a cause that he says is dear to his heart, namely the widening of the A1 north of Newcastle up to Berwick. ““A Fresh Start for Britain”” is a Liberal Democrat policy document that, as well as promising road pricing, which means tolls across the River Tyne, states: ““We will end motorway widening schemes.”” That is a definitive statement—it is not followed by, ““Except those leading to the parliamentary constituencies of Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament””—but how is that pledge not to spend any money in this area compatible with what the hon. Gentleman has said?