EEDA needs a broader vision

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Oct 1999

Commenting on the launch of the regional development strategy of the East of England development Agency (EEDA), Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Andrew Duff said:

"While I welcome much of the proposed strategy, I am worried about the AgencyÕs inevitably one-sided concentration on economic development.

"A strategy is needed that combines economic policy with regional planning issues, notably transport and housing.

"Only such a fully integrated approach will embrace the imperative of sustainable development so that we can escape the false battle between jobs on the one hand and the environment on the other.

"I would also have liked to have seen a more proactive stance adopted in the proposals towards the European Union.

"We have much to gain from taking initiatives in Europe, especially in trying to refocus EU policy towards supporting centres of excellence and enterprise and in modifying its traditional approach to Trans-European Networks.

"But all in all this set of proposals is a good start for the EEDA.

"I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues at all levels look forward to working closely alongside the EEDA in the years ahead to create properly accountable regional government and to make Eastern England one of the top regions in Europe."