§ Mr. GapesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to visit east London to discuss industrial investment and economic development. [21978]
§ Mr. EggarNeither my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade nor I have plans to visit east London again at present. The Government and our key partners in economic development, local authorities and training and enterprise councils, are working to bring investment to that part of London and to ensure that it is used effectively. Partnerships have been formed to maximise European Union funding, to support inward investment, to develop regeneration strategies and to work within the Thames gateway framework. These and other joint efforts will substantially increase the competitive position of that key area of London.