FOUR well-known political and business figures will subject themselves to questions from an audience of Yorkshire business people on Tuesday evening.

The Question Time-style debate will feature:

Former adviser to Gordon Brown, Ed Balls, the Labour candidate for the parliamentary seat of Normanton, and tipped by many observers as a future Chancellor of the Exchequer.

David Curry, Tory MP for Ripon and Skipton, one of Britain's largest constituencies.

Graeme Leach, the IoD's Chief Economist, and regular media commentator.

Phil Willis, Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough and shadow secretary of state for education and skills.

The event, organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Yorkshire will take place at Leeds College of Music, at 6pm.

David Winterburn, chairman of the IoD's West Yorkshire committee said: "As an independent association of individual company directors, our objective is to make sure our members' views are taken into account when the Government is reviewing policy, legislating or canvassing the opinions of the wider business community.

"This event is a way of giving our members that voice, and allowing them the opportunity to air their concerns. In the run-up to the General Election, this should be considered a must-attend event by all business leaders in Yorkshire."

Tickets can be bought from Susanne Foxley at the IoD by phoning 0113 243 0152. Email iod.yorkshire@iod.com

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, April 07, 2005