§ Q7. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination achieved as a result of the reorganisation of Government Departments responsible for problems of regional development; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friends work closely together on these matters.
§ Mr. DavidsonWill my right hon. Friend ensure that the Government give top priority to helping areas such as North-East Lancashire which have now been singled out for massive Government aid? Welcome though this aid is in 201 North-East Lancashire, we should like to feel that the effects will be felt soon by the population.
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend will be aware that the Second Reading of the Local Employment Bill was accepted by the House without a Division and is now being examined in Committee. It is to implement the announcement of my right hon. Friend the then Economic Secretary earlier this year. I think that the whole House will feel that first priority must be given still to development areas, particularly to areas of colliery closures and other areas which are difficult. However, we are now in a position to give more help to the intermediate areas.
§ Mr. EmeryDoes the Prime Minister realise that the South-West considers that it is absolutely bottom in any thoughts by the Government, both as regards transport and broadcasting? We are being left way behind. What does the Prime Minister intend to do to correct this?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman can address questions on transport and broadcasting to the appropriate Ministers responsible. He is totally wrong about what has been done about employment in the South-West, in view of the conferment of development area status for part of the South-West and the recent inclusion of Plymouth in the area to receive help under the intermediate area programme.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Mr. Stonehouse.