CHIEF secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng went on an extended tour of one of Southampton's "sunrise" industries to highlight Labour's economic record over the past eight years.

Mr Boateng, who is stepping down from his Cabinet post after the election to take up a new job in Africa, was joined on his tour of Vestas Blades in Woolston by John Denham and Alan Whitehead, Labour's candidates for Southampton Itchen and Southampton Test.

The firm employs around 600 people in Southampton and the Isle of Wight and makes blades to power wind turbines which are sent all over the world.

Mr Boateng's visit formed part of Labour's on-going push to woo the business vote where the party is stressing its economic record during its eight years in power.

Mr Boateng said that Vestas were a "world-beating" firm and a classic example of what Labour wanted to see throughout "UK PLC".

He added that Labour's policies had provided the stable economic conditions that had allowed companies like Vestas to grow.

He said: "This firm has been able to develop world-beating technology creating 600 jobs in Southampton and on the Island. This is a classic example of what we mean to see throughout UK PLC. There is a clear choice between continuing stability under Labour or returning to the boom and bust days under the Conservatives."

Mr Boateng would not be drawn on whether the government would support any fresh attempts by Associated British Ports to build a new container terminal at Dibden Bay.

But he praised the records of both Mr Denham and Mr Whitehead in always putting forward the economic case for the city.

He added there had been "record levels of investment" in the economy since Labour had been in power.

He said: "What you have are two local MPs who have always made the case for Southampton.

"When a Labour government is returned you will see new jobs created in Southampton and that is what we are concentrating on today."

Turning to the need to upgrade Southampton's rail links, Mr Denham added that the government recognised that investment was needed in the system. He said: "That is now a proper part of the planning process."

Mr Boateng said: "All of these things are built on a platform of stability. It is a choice of between boom and bust or continued stability."

For more on the 2005 General Election - see pages 8 & 9 of today's Daily Echo.