Word from Westminster - October 2009

Word from Westminster

Once again I can report on a busy month during September. Despite the ongoing issue about MPs long break from Parliament still reverberating in some sections of the media, as well as the normal office commitments, I had appointments every working day. As you probably know, an MP’s job is a full time one, even during recess and no MP should have any other outside paid employment. I attended two exhibitions last month, the first being the Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. This has been a regular in my diary for many years and this bi annual event was probably the busiest I have witnessed in recent years, in fact I understand that more companies were there than in previous years and it was apparent, talking to some of the local businesses in attendance, that there is a huge amount of optimism in the industry. Yarmouth has fared extremely well in recent years from the oil and gas industry and it looks likely to continue for some time. Another sector that some Yarmouth companies have an interest in is the Defence Industry and the day after Offshore Europe I was off to the Excel Centre in London to visit their exhibition. This was at the invitation of a company called Finmeccanica, with whom I am doing a ‘fellowship’. The visit gave me the opportunity to look at some of the more technical sides of the defence sector as well as the opportunity to visit Yarmouth based company, C-Mac’s stand. It was apparent that there is much competition in this area but having knowledge of C-Mac’s reputation and expertise, I am confident that they are more than a match for any similar company.

The 10^th Maritime Festival took place earlier this month and once again this annual event was a huge success. Thanks must be given to business and volunteer helpers who make it a success but importantly to the committee, under the chair of Aileen Mobbs, who spent considerable time over the last 12 months in preparation. On a similar note, thanks also must be given for the ‘Out There’ event that took place in St George’s Park, again another success for Great Yarmouth with the comments from all being extremely positive. It’s some time since the arts organization ‘SeaChange’ was set up and this is another success story given the many projects they have been involved with. Under the directorship of Joe Macintosh and his team, Yarmouth is definitely on the cultural map. Well done to all who had a hand in these two events. Presenting certificates or awards is an extremely pleasant duty to perform and being invited again by J G Plummer and Associates was wonderful. The work and commitment from this dental practice in ensuring that young people have a qualification in this profession is exemplary. They are, as far as I know, the only dental practice that has a 100% pass record for all their nurses in the country! The commitment from the tutors and dentists is matched by the dedication and enthusiasm of the students themselves. Well done to all and a big thank you to J G Plummer’s for giving many young people the opportunity to achieve qualifications.

On a rather sad note, was the protest meeting where the futures of the dockworkers were discussed. I do understand the Port industry is having a difficult time but it does appear we are coming through the worst of the recession and no doubt the Shipping and Port industries will once again be busy and continue to need the professionalism of our dockers. It is recognised by the HSE   that this sector is ‘the most dangerous land based industry in the UK.’ To me such an industry cannot be based on casualisation, this has to be thought through seriously. Having attended the AGM of the James Paget Hospital I must add my thanks to all the staff there for the sterling service they give in providing a first class NHS facility. The figures achieved have equaled or in many cases beaten the targets set by Government, congratulations to all. The hospital is well regarded regionally as well as nationally and this is no doubt down to the expertise and commitment by everyone. Briefly, this month I also have met with the Scratby Coastal Erosion group, the Environment Agency, officers from GYBC, members from the Visually Impaired Group, the Coastguard Agency, representatives from a Renewable Energy company and the manager of Palace Bingo.  I hosted a visit by Angela Smith MP Minister for Charity, Voluntary and the Third Sector and held a successful Business Breakfast for companies with an interest in expanding their export market.