§ 21. Sir J. Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what plans he has to help small market towns in England and Wales to improve and retain their prosperity.
§ The Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Edward Heath)The prosperity of small market towns depends on the economic circumstances of the areas surrounding them. They will, therefore, be considered as part of the regional studies on which work is proceeding. As far as industrial development is concerned, I am prepared to consider sympathetically any applications from firms wishing to expand and unable to move to development districts.
§ Sir J. MaitlandDoes not my right hon. Friend think that he should make plans ahead, as has been suggested to him by the Lindsey County Council and other parts of the country, to try to check the gradual deterioration in the prosperity of small market towns? They may be all right at the moment but for once should we not try to get something ready in time?
§ Mr. HeathI fully support my hon. and gallant Friend in wishing to deal with this matter in the way he suggests. The object of the study is to analyse the problem, plan ahead and produce solutions for it.