8. Mr. Bob Brownasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proposals he has to increase the employment opportunity in civil engineering in the North-East.
§ Mr. AmeryThe prospects of an improvement in employment in civil engineering in the North-East will depend on the general progress of the economy as a whole. The Government will be paying particular attention to the circumstances of the less prosperous regions in developing their regional policies.
Mr. BrownDoes the Minister consider that he would be doing a service to the development areas if, in consultation with his right hon. Friend, Tory-controlled local authorities were encouraged to get down to more building in these areas?
§ Mr. AmeryI will certainly discuss the hon. Gentleman's point with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Indeed, we are already in correspondence.