To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on how many occasions the Minister for the East of England has visited areas of the administrative county of Essex other than those in the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock; and what the purpose was of each visit. (254835)

Since her appointment in July 2007, the Minster for the East of England has visited the administrative county of Essex on six separate occasions. The most recent visits were focussed around the economy such as the Regional Economic Forum held in Chelmsford and her visit to Jobcentre Plus and a local business in Basildon as part of the roll-out of the pre-Budget report.

The Minister has also visited Essex on skills related events including leading the East of England Talent Debate at Stansted, visiting Rickstones Academy in Witham as part of the Grand Schools Tour, and visiting a children's centre in Harlow.

The Minister recently chaired the Regional Partnership Group in Chelmsford.