HC Deb 01 February 1967 vol 740 c502
40. Sir J. Eden

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what means in his Department he ensures that any decisions he takes to bring new employment opportunities to development areas do not run counter to the general economic policies being pursued by Her Majesty's Government and the declared objectives of the "Little Neddies".

Mr. Jay

One of the objects of attracting industry to development areas is to assist national growth by utilising resources now under-employed. My decisions on industrial location take full account of the Government's general economic policies and the objectives of the "Little Neddies".

Sir J. Eden

I actually asked the right hon. Gentleman if he could tell me by what means he ensures co-ordination between his Department and the Department of Economic Affairs. Is he aware that in an instance known to me the "Little Neddy" concerned with an industry has found that there is over-capacity, whereas his own Department encourages the increase of production facilities in a development area which is already well supplied with them?

Mr. Jay

It is for the "Little Neddies" to give advice but for the Government in these cases to take the decision.