§ 10. Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from representatives of manufacturing industry in East Anglia about the level of economic activity. [24322]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightTreasury Ministers regularly receive representations on wide-ranging aspects of the economy including economic activity in manufacturing industry.
§ Mr. ThompsonBearing in mind that prospects for the economy and for jobs in East Anglia are improving—the Government should take credit for those improvements—the overriding concern of business men and industrialists in East Anglia and Norwich is communications. Will my hon. Friend acknowledge that a financial priority—it must also be a priority for our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport—is the final dualling of the All link road between Norwich and London? That is vital. Will she take that into account, and will she visit Norwich to discuss it with local business leaders?
§ Mrs. KnightI assure my hon. Friend that I will visit Norwich in early June as a consequence of the representations that he has made on behalf of his businesses. I will pass on his comments about the A11 to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. I assure my hon. Friend that the new method of financing roads will help communications in all parts of the country.