HC Deb 02 November 1970 vol 805 cc666-7
44. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for development in the Northern Region; what review he has undertaken for research and development in the region; and what new levels of capital expenditure do his proposals and review involve for his Department in the region.

Mr. Ridley

The Government's proposals for encouringing industrial investment both nationally and in the development areas were set out in the White Paper "Investment Incentives" published on 27th October. We shall continue to make every effort to steer suitable research and development projects to the northern and other development areas.

Mr. Leadbitter

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that under the Labour Government's policies 120,000 new jobs were provided in the 5½ years before the present Government took office? Is he further aware that the Northern Economic Planning Council accepts the need for another 281,000 jobs by 1981? There is great concern in the North-East that any change in policy of aid to industries there will interfere with the programme and will be detrimental to the area.

Mr. Ridley

It must be clear to the hon. Gentleman that the only conceivable reason for the change is that we believe that it will be more effective, especially as on the capital side it costs exactly the same amount to public funds.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we in the North-East expect our Government to do much better than the Socialist Government and that the North-East thinks that they will? At the same time, will he really get down to a little more detail, bearing in mind that there is a Secretary of State for Scotland and a Secretary of State for Wales and that we in the North-East want a much more detailed account than the throwing out of a few words about While Papers? Will my right hon. Friend set his mind to this and let us have a proper discussion so that I, at least, can know what we are trying to do?

Mr. Ridley

I agree with my hon. Friend that it is results that we want and that we shall be judged by results rather than by how much money we spend. With regard to whether there should be a Secretary of State for the North-East, which I think was what my hon. Friend suggested—

Dame Irene Ward

No.

Mr. Ridley

—that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. But I assure my hon. Friend that we shall get down to details and do all that we can to fulfil her wildest expectations.

Mr. Benn

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the contracts placed by the old Ministry of Technology with I.R.D., which is the only really powerful research organisation in the North-East, are to come under review and whether there is any likelihood of those being reduced under the Government's economy measures?

Mr. Ridley

I do not think that there is any question of reviewing them at present. If that should come about, I will bear the right hon. Gentleman's words in mind.

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Order Statement. Mr. Carr.