"We would like to see less regulation so that firms can concentrate on becoming more efficient and cost-effective, longer term planning on major infrastructure projects and a more business-friendly taxation regime, which will allow us to compete on equal terms with those overseas," said the chief executive of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Eddie Rodgers.

"Most people in business accept that there has to be regulation and that our public services have to be paid for through taxation.

"But it would be refreshing if we could have some plain speaking from Govern-ment regarding the levels of public spending and the tax measures necessary to pay for public services, instead of fudging the spending levels and looking for progressively higher levels of tax on business," he said.

Mr Rodgers put his case to Shadow Trade and Industry spokeswoman Julie Kirkbride.

The MP, who grew up and went to school in Halifax, was accompanying the Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate Philip Allott, during a visit to the chamber's headquarters at Croft Myl, Halifax.

The chamber's senior policy adviser Steven Leigh said: "The economic situation is fragile and it is essential that the wealth-creating sector of the economy should be encouraged to invest and prosper for the benefit of everyone in Halifax and Calderdale."