HC Deb 28 July 1971 vol 822 cc566-7
29. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his planning policy for the West Midlands Region in relation to the introduction of new industry as an insurance against obsolescence.

Mr. Graham Page

I am at present considering the economic appraisal by a working party set up by the West Midlands Economic Planning Council. This expressed views on the need for further industrial development in the region, and I shall not be ready to make a statement on planning policy until our examination of the various factors involved is complete.

Mr. Ashley

Is the Minister aware that the West Midlands is at present dependent on the old traditional industries, and that the present I.D.C. policy is discouraging the growth of new industries in major regions such as this? Will he consider doing what he can to attract new industry to the West Midlands by some policy or other different from the I.D.C. policy?

Mr. Page

I.D.C. policy is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, but we are indebted to the economic appraisal by the West Midlands Working Party set up by the West Midlands Economic Planning Council for proposals on this matter. The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19th July should strengthen demand and encourage industry to invest in new plant and machinery.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Bearing in mind the original decision as to the areas which should have I.D.C. priority, which applies not only to the West Midlands, does not my hon. Friend consider that in view of the new town expansion in Peterborough we ought to be up-graded for consideration for the granting of I.D.Cs?

Mr. Page

I would ask my hon. Friend to put that question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.