BOROUGH MP Andrew Miller has welcomed the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report as 'one which will invest in potential for the future'.

Mr Miller said: 'His announcement of a commitment to increased spending in education means that every school in Ellesmere Port and Neston will benefit.

'In addition to free books for every five-year-old starting primary school and every 11-year-old starting secondary school, direct payments to schools, which head teachers can use as they see fit, will rise.

'But education and training will not just be in schools. The Chancellor announced plans to make Britain the world leader in skills and training so our young people can get good jobs in the future and, to help this happen, Government funded apprenticeships will be increased to 500,000.' Mr Miller added: 'The Pre-Budget Report is wide ranging and contains proposals which will promote enterprise and innovation, deliver high employment, provide high quality public services and protect the environment.

'The Labour Government's objective is to build a strong economy and a fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all.'