Dr Michael Nolan, a senior lecturer at the University of Hull Business School, said a national economy was a "sum of its parts" and different areas could experience vastly different economic fortunes.

BBC: Do job losses mean the Humber region remains in recession?

Dr Richard Cowell, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Planning and Policy and Dr. Roisin Willmott, National Director for the Royal Town Planning Institute Cymru also presented evidence to the committee.

BBC: Environment and Sustainability Committee

Dr Jon Tobias, a consultant senior lecturer in the rheumatology department at Bristol Royal Infirmary and advisor to the National Osteoporosis Society, said a drug that could stimulate bone growth, rather than simply arrest deterioration, should be more effective at preventing fractures.

BBC: Cholesterol drugs 'treat osteoporosis'

Rob Brown, a journalism lecturer at the University of Gloucestershire, said this was "atypical" of the national picture in which local newspapers were struggling due to loss of advertising revenue.

BBC: Gloucester and Forest of Dean newspaper 'turf war erupts'