THE Comet is putting parliamentary hopefuls for the three main parties on the spot in a Question Time special ahead of the general election. Stevenage is one of the key marginal seats and for the past 30 years the party which has won Stevenage has gone on

THE Comet is putting parliamentary hopefuls for the three main parties on the spot in a Question Time special ahead of the general election.

Stevenage is one of the key marginal seats and for the past 30 years the party which has won Stevenage has gone on to form Government.

Political commentators believe Stevenage voters will again have a major say in determining the direction of the country.

The Comet Question Time is on Wednesday, April 21, in the main hall at Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.

Julia Davies (Lib Dem), Stephen McPartland (Conservative) and Sharon Taylor (Labour) will take centre stage, with Nicholas Moss JP, chairman of the Beds, Essex and Herts Courts Board, as host.

Sponsors for the event are Biz4Biz - an association formed to work voluntarily in the promotion of Stevenage-based businesses - and insurance, investment and financial services provider Richmond House Group (RHG).

Adrian Hawkins, managing director of Weldability SIF, and Paul Beasely,

managing director of RHG, founded Biz4Biz.

"Our principle intention is to ensure all Stevenage businesses have a voice on local and national government issues affecting their day-to-day viability," said Mr Hawkins.

"Many factions of our society have some form of representation on issues arising locally, but sadly businesses are often without an opportunity to speak collectively as one voice."

The event is open to all - either complete the form on the left or visit www.thecomet24.co.uk to register your interest and put your question which you may ask on the night.

Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start.

Candidates will answer any further questions in the upstairs of the centre after the event.

Mr McPartland said: "This is a great opportunity for people to see who they think would make the best MP for Stevenage.

"Whoever wins the election has to have the ability to make the case for Stevenage residents in Parliament and help them deal with their issues locally."

Ms Davies said: "Not only do I look forward enthusiastically to the chance to speak about Liberal Democrat policies, but I really value the fact local voters will be able to put direct questions to candidates and judge what they hear for themselves."

Ms Taylor said: "I am grateful to The Comet for hosting this event, which will give Stevenage people the opportunity to question us on issues that matter most to them in the forthcoming election.

"This is our opportunity to demonstrate that Stevenage has a real choice.