Louise Ellman: Did discussions at Cardiff include consideration of the significant contribution that EU structural funds have made to regional competitiveness in the United Kingdom through, for example, support for businesses, training, regeneration and initiatives such as the Merseyside special investment fund? Has he considered how regions of this country might have more authority in their dealings with...
Louise Ellman: Will the hon. Gentleman clarify the Opposition's position on reducing infant class sizes? In government, the Conservatives increased class sizes. In opposition, they voted against the means to reduce class sizes. Their motion equates the reduction of class sizes with a reduction in educational standards. Will he clarify their position?
Louise Ellman: Tonight's debate has been characterised by Tory hypocrisy. That has been clearly demonstrated by the assertion that we are choosing between smaller class sizes and good teaching. This Government offer both. When I was the leader of a local authority while a Tory Government were in power, we battled against cuts in revenue and capital, we battled to stop class sizes rising, we battled against...
Louise Ellman: No one should be surprised at the token and transitory presence of Conservative Members during our discussion of this vital Bill. They must find it extremely distressing, I am convinced, to see the beginning of the end of the work that they did over 18 years and to see the damage that they inflicted on so many members of our society being reversed. The Bill, indeed, starts to reverse major...
Louise Ellman: Indeed. The Budget marks a decisive change. We are investing in the economy and in jobs. In addition to significant capital investment, the Budget makes special efforts to help small and medium enterprises: the backbone of our economy. The Budget encourages that important sector by raising capital allowances and reducing taxes on those enterprises. Its encouragement for more innovative...
Louise Ellman: My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is essential that the Budget should deal effectively with the macro-economic situation, but for that to be effective we also need mechanisms to deal with regional and local issues, to ensure that the benefits are enjoyed where they are most needed. I applaud the Government for all that they have done on macro, micro and regional levels. The Budget...
Louise Ellman: My hon. Friend demonstrates effectively the official Opposition's ineffectiveness and irresponsibility. Their record speaks for itself. They created a divided society and record unemployment and showed a callous disregard for justice. The Budget is the beginning of a new era and I commend it to the House. I look forward to the Government developing policies that will bring social and economic...
Louise Ellman: Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Louise Ellman: Will the hon. Gentleman contrast the action of the President of the Board of Trade to which he has just referred, with the action that was taken by the Opposition when they were in government? In 1993, Leyland DAF collapsed, putting at risk thousands of jobs in truck manufacture. In Lancashire, when appeals were made to the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, he stated that...
Louise Ellman: Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Louise Ellman: rose—
Louise Ellman: The point that I am seeking to make is that, in 1993, the Government of the day refused to act, but action was taken by a Labour-controlled local authority, which resulted in the saving of truck manufacture in Lancashire and of thousands of manufacturing jobs in Lancashire and beyond.
Louise Ellman: Does my hon. Friend agree that targeted investment-led EU structural funds have made a major impact on the economies of regions such as the north-west, particularly during those years when the Conservative party refused to intervene to do anything about disparities in regional economies? Does she believe that the comprehensive spending review's proposals for new investment in transport...
Louise Ellman: If he will make a statement on support for music and the theatre in Liverpool. [50767]
Louise Ellman: Is my hon. Friend aware that the National Campaign for the Arts hailed last week's announcement about additional funding for the arts as an "unprecedented and visionary move"? Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that the support that he has already mentioned, together with the additional funds, will enable the Playhouse theatre to reopen, the Everyman theatre to have security and proper...
Louise Ellman: Does the Minister agree that it is essential for the Palestinian Authority to develop accountable and democratic institutions to ensure that funds go to those for whom they are intended—the mass of people in its territories? Does he agree that the responsibility for doing that lies firmly with the Palestinian Authority, and not with the Government of Israel?
Louise Ellman: The Select Committee's support for the Government's proposal that at least 60 per cent. of new homes should be provided on brown-field sites arises from a view of housing as a critical part of regeneration, and of regeneration as linked to jobs, training, transport, environment and the provision of social amenities. The key question is whether we have the mechanisms and policies to achieve...
Louise Ellman: I am sorry, but, in view of the time constraints, I cannot. Exciting regeneration is currently under way in Everton, a deprived part of my constituency—an area where there is much dereliction, male unemployment stands at 37.5 per cent., and 80 per cent. of pupils in the partnership area involved are eligible for free school meals. Hope university college is spearheading a multimillion...
Louise Ellman: I congratulate the Chancellor on his statement, which reaffirms confidence in his handling of the economy. Will he make a statement, first, on the curious reaction of Opposition Members who, when they hear that we have not been set off course, display a mixture of mirth and consternation; and secondly, on the role that he envisages for regional development agencies in taking forward his...
Louise Ellman: What plans he has to introduce tax and fiscal measures to encourage investment in small and medium enterprises in the regions. [56871]