§ Q9. Mr. Cleggasked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Minister with special responsibility for the Northwest.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
. CleggIs the Prime Minister aware that there is considerable distress in the grey areas of Lancashire, including, for example, my constituency where there is an average unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent? Does he not think it time that something was done about this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware of the anxiety in different parts of Lancashire, and the House spent a great deal of time debating this matter yesterday. I do not think that it is necessary to have a separate Minister responsible, particularly when one considers the very high level of Lancashire representation in the Cabinet.