THE house rises today for the Christmas recess but the pace is set to remain frantic right up to the last minute, as I prepare for the final Department for Business questions before the break and meetings continue around the rail refranchising arrangements for the South West.

I am hopeful negotiations will open the way for improved journey times from Dorset and Somerset to London and I am doing all I can to make sure Salisbury is a big beneficiary.

The case for wider improvements to our rail transport infrastructure – more parking, faster more frequent services and the addition of a Wilton Parkway station – was among issues last Friday, when the second meeting of the Salisbury Economic Task Group took place. The purpose of the group is to bring together the local authority, area board, the city council, cathedral and business community to examine the needs of the local economy on a strategic level.

One of the group’s key considerations is the future prosperity of Porton Down and how best to attract the right kind of private sector activity to fill the void that will be left by the eventual removal of parts of Public Health England to Harlow.

Replacing and enhancing high level employment opportunities is crucial as is preserving the international reputation of Porton as a centre for scientific innovation and excellence and exploring additional opportunities to partner with educational institutions and businesses to offer top-notch education and training to local youngsters.

Also on Friday, I had a very positive meeting with Porton Biopharma’s Board and I will be doing all I can to make sure that Porton’s existing assets are given every chance to prosper, stimulated by the coming influx of commercial tenants.