MP's Questions

Barry Sheerman MP informs the house that West Yorkshire is coming out of recession and doing very well but there is still a need for better investment in public sector jobs.

 Liam Byrne (Chief Secretary, HM Treasury; Birmingham, Hodge Hill, Labour)

None of the measures that the hon. Gentleman mentioned has been stopped. In the pre-Budget report and in the Budget, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor was clear when he said that the measures that we have put in place have to be targeted and have to last only as long as the problem exists. That is why it is quite right that as recovery returns to our economy, some measures should be retired. However, those that are still needed, such as measures to support jobs or businesses' cash flow, are set to continue. Also, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Bank of England is still to reach a decision on quantitative easing.

Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield, Labour)

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in west Yorkshire we are coming out of recession and doing very well, but that we still need some help from better investment in public sector jobs, to move them from the south and London up to Yorkshire?

Liam Byrne (Chief Secretary, HM Treasury; Birmingham, Hodge Hill, Labour)

The Government have actually moved more jobs from London out into the regions than we set targets for, but that process needs to continue, and I am determined to see that it does.