HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 cc923-5
3. Mr. Ross

asked the Minister without Portfolio what steps he is taking to co-ordinate publicity activities abroad among industrialists about the potentialities of expansion in development districts.

5. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister without Portfolio in view of the breakdown of the negotiations for British entry into the European Economic Community, whether he will increase the amount of publicity designed to attract foreign industrial investment in areas of high unemployment in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Deedes

I have arranged for a study to be made of the means by which home and overseas publicity for the development districts might be co-ordinated. When that study is completed, I shall consider, in consultation with the other Ministers concerned, what further steps may be necessary.

Mr. Ross

Has the right hon. Gentleman no information about the success of this in the past? Is he aware that there is a feeling that there is far too much provision of offices with dusty leaflets and information and too little active pursuit of the kind of business we want to ensure that everyone knows the opportunities that are available in places such as Scotland?

Mr. Deedes

I have been looking into the arrangements made by all the development districts. It is very important that we should make the best possible use of the resources that they have for making their needs and their assets known. I have that particularly in mind in relation to Scotland.

Mr. John MacLeod

Can my right hon. Friend say what co-ordination he has with the publicity put out by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board?

Mr. Deedes

At the moment none.

4. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister without Portfolio what liaison he has with the British Industries Development Office in New York on the matter of publicising industrial facilities available in areas of high unemployment in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Deedes

None directly, Sir. The British Industrial Development Office in New York is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who is of course in close touch with its work.

Mr. Lawson

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this could be a very useful function to be fulfilled by his Ministry? When he thinks of the efforts which might be made, will not the right hon. Gentleman keep this type of thing very much in mind, remembering also that, since in many ways our own industrialists are failing to develop these areas, we should welcome industrialists from elsewhere?

Mr. Deedes

I am fully aware of that, and I will bear it in mind in relation to the Answer which I gave to an earlier Question.

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