To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what occasions the Housing Minister and his predecessor (a) visited Thurrock constituency and (b) met the Thurrock Thameside Urban Development Corporation in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. (279631)

I was appointed Minister for the Thames Gateway and Olympics legacy on 9 June 2009. I visited Thurrock on 16 June 2009, to mark the start of works on the new Royal Opera House production park facility in Purfleet. During my visit, I met members and officers of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, members and officers of the council and people from the local community, as well as my hon. Friend.

My predecessors have met members and officers of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation informally at a range of meetings including the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership.