Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to include cities in the North East in the Northern Powerhouse initiative; and if he will make a statement.

Greg Hands, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: The Government has made a firm commitment to our Northern Powerhouse initiative which is inclusive of the whole of the North of England and the North East. We have made a series of investments across transport, infrastructure, skills, and business enterprise, and detailed additional measures to support the region at Summer Budget. In addition, the Chancellor recently announced that the government has begun discussions with the North East Combined Authority on a potential devolution deal, including plans for creating a directly-elected mayor, in return for a transfer of powers to the region.

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