HC Deb 22 July 1969 vol 787 cc1473-5
19. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Power what progress has been made in his consultations with the National Coal Board and British Steel Corporation on aspects of regional policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

Discussions continue at various levels to ensure the fullest exchange of ideas and information and the best use of both.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary recently discussed with the two chairmen their constructive ideas for assisting regional policy.

Mr. Hooley

I am obliged to my right hon. Friend for that reply and I am glad to know that these discussions are going on. What specific measures of support for regional policy have these two industries proposed?

Mr. Mason

The British Steel Corporation and the National Coal Board are to use the influence of their organisation to support Government measures to attract industry to areas which might be hit by coalfield and steel plant closures. The Corporation is to appoint a social policy adviser purposely to deal with these problems and to help particularly in areas where steel plants may be closing down after there have been problems with coal mines.

Dame Irene Ward

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell us in this regional context what is to be done to help the Tyne now that it has been decided to take ore shipments from the Tyne and to transfer them to Tees-side? There is far too much talk; we never hear about action.

Mr. Mason

I am sorry, but the hon. Lady has risen too late. The point she raises was answered two Questions ago.

The answer to her question about regional policy is that last year we spent £260 million on aid to the development areas, a strong contrast to what the Tories managed when they were in power.

Dame Irene Ward

On a point of order.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have in the past urged hon. Members to, if possible, raise points of order at the end of Question Time. Mr. Swain.

Dame Irene Ward

But would the Minister—

Mr. Swain

Perhaps I may interrupt the hon. Lady to put a question to my right hon. Friend. Has he forgotten, or is he still considering, implementing paragraphs 58 to 62 of the 1968 T.U.C. policy White Paper referring to regional policies where rationalisation of coal and steel is taking place?

Mr. Mason

I cannot call to mind the precise paragraphs to which my hon Friend refers, but if he will table a Question on the subject or see me about it after Question Time or on another occasion I will gladly discuss the matter with him.