§ 35. Mr. Haseldineasked the President of the Board of Trade what assistance has been given by his Department to the North-East Development Council in carrying out its policy of attracting industry from the Yorkshire and Humberside Region to the North-East.
§ Mr. CroslandThe North-East Development Council aims to attract industry into the North-East from many parts of Britain and from overseas. My regional office in Newcastle co-operates with the Council in bringing the merits of the area to the notice of firms seeking locations in development areas.
§ Mr. HaseldineIs my right hon. Friend aware that this statement is appreciated? Will he look favourably at any efforts that may be made in Yorkshire and Humberside or any part of the region, to attract industry, particularly to bring about more diversification?
§ Mr. CroslandI have already made it clear that while I am strongly in favour of the North-East Development Council generally making propaganda for its area, I deprecate any attempt at competition between that development area on the one hand and parts of the Yorkshire and Humberside area on the other. This latter area has difficulties of its own.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that despite Government disapproval the North-East Development Council has indicated to at least one Halifax firm that it intends to continue its advertising campaign to attract industry away from the West Riding?
§ Mr. CroslandI thought that we had made our views fairly clear on that point. If my hon. Friend will send me details I will be glad to look at them.