Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his policy is on the (a) freeport approved for the Solent area and (b) freeports programme.  [2702]

[Due for Answer on 4 September]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Local Growth (Alex Norris): Future plans for the Freeports Programme are being carefully considered as part of the ongoing Spending Review process. This does not change the fact that Solent Freeport, alongside the other seven English Freeports and the two Scottish Green Freeports, has had tax sites designated and is open for business. Delivery is – and will continue to be – led by local partners and I thank all those involved for their continued hard work on the project.