§ 6. Mr. Fitchasked the Secretary of State for In Industry, Trade and Regional Development what proposals he has for the development of industry in the North-West, arising out of his visit there at the end of last year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathAs I told the House on 3rd December, the main result of my visit to the North-West was my decision to set up an interdepartmental group to survey the economic and planning problems of the area. Meanwhile, the benefits of the Local Employment Acts and free depreciation are available for projects in the development districts of the region.
§ Mr. FitchCan the Minister give us a little more detail? Does not he agree that his reply was rather vague? When he is drawing up plans—if he has any—will he bear in mind that we want industry in the North-West not only to counterbalance contracting industry but also to encourage people to migrate to that area?
§ Mr. HeathI agree with the hon. Member about that. The first intention is to prevent emigration, and then to persuade people to go into that area. The study group that I have set up is already at work, and I hope to make a statement later about its scope.