Woolas in three-hour grilling

AN OLDHAM MP was quizzed by politicians from across the North-West last night on what he was doing for the area.

The “Grand Committee” took place in Liverpool and saw Oldham East and Saddleworth’s Phil Woolas, in his capacity as minister for the North-West, set out his plans to boost the region.

A total of 17 MPs from all parties, along with about 40 members of the public attended the meeting at the old town hall to debate issues affecting the region.

The Oldham MP was questioned for almost three hours on issues including how to get more young people into apprenticeships, training and jobs.

Mr Woolas (pictured) said: “I was honoured and humbled to be the first minister to address the North-West grand committee.”

Ashton MP David Heyes, whose constituency includes Failsworth and Hollinwood, also attended the event.

Mr Woolas added: “David Heyes raised a good point about what more could be done to improve the Hollinwood junction.

“I am going to speak to Oldham Council and the regional development agency to see if we can get our heads together — we are lagging behind Ashton in this regard.” Mr Woolas said: “The North-West of England is Britain’s most important region and our economy is the engine room of the UK. The people are the toughest-but-fairest and I am very proud to be doing this job.”

The committee functions in a similar way to the Commons chamber. Every MP representing a constituency in the region is entitled to attend.