Investment Zones 2023-09-05
2023-09-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is asking about the progress made on introducing investment zones, which are part of a national industrial strategy.
What progress has been made on the introduction of investment zones as part of our national industrial strategy?
Investment zones are part of our industrial strategy to make sure that the benefits of our national strengths in our five growth priority sectors are spread throughout the UK.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific progress details or timelines on introducing investment zones.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is inquiring about the potential for innovation within the north-east Scotland investment zone, which includes clean energy projects like Acorn.
Can he confirm that the north-east Scotland investment zone will lead to more innovation to promote key industries not just in Aberdeen City but also in Banff and Buchan?
I know that the Acorn carbon capture, usage and storage project is based at St Fergus in my hon. Friend's patch, and that Banff and Buchan is within the north-east of Scotland region, which is one of two eligible areas and has been a long-standing global centre for excellence in clean energy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm if investment zone will promote wider regional innovation beyond Aberdeen City.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP suggests that north-east Wales, including Clwyd South and Wrexham, should be considered for a new investment zone due to its close ties with the north-west of England.
Does the Chancellor agree that Clwyd South represents one of the best candidates for a new investment zone? Will he consider making it cross-border?
I know there are some great businesses in my hon. Friend's constituency—I much enjoyed meeting Robin and Helen Jones of Jones' Village Bakery at a recent reception in No. 10, and I know they are going from strength to strength. I holidayed in Clwyd last year, and from the top of Moel Famau I saw a very impressive offshore wind farm.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or confirm if Clwyd South is being considered for an investment zone.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the importance of transport infrastructure, particularly by bus, for people to access jobs in the South Yorkshire investment zone.
Will he make sure that included within the financial package available is money to assist with local public transport?
I very much enjoyed my visit to South Yorkshire to open that investment zone. It is incredibly impressive what is happening there and it was wonderful to welcome new investment by Boeing as part of that. The hon. Gentleman is right to talk about transport; that is why we involve local authorities in all our investment zone decisions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm if funding will include money for public transport.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is discussing the potential of developing small modular reactors in the Sheffield investment zone and seeking support from the government.
Would he be willing to look at that proposal and hopefully offer support for it?
I enjoyed meeting the hon. Gentleman when we opened that investment zone. Let me reassure him that I am a big supporter of nuclear and I am very excited about the potential of SMRs. There is a competition going on this year, which we hope will be completed by the end of the year, to assess the viability of the various SMR manufacturers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not explicitly confirm if support for SMR development in Sheffield would be offered.
Response accuracy