§ 18. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent estimate has been made of the effects of the new regional policies on the levels of unemployment; and how soon he expects the full results of those policies to be effective.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo system of regional incentives could yield measure-able results in the space of six months. Progress will depend on the co-operation of all in creating conditions for sound national economic growth.
§ Mr. HamiltonThat answer means absolutely nothing. Does the hon. Gentleman regard the present figures as appalling, and, if he does, what adjective will he apply to the figures for the coming 17 winter? Second, when will the Government accept complete responsibility for the appalling mess into which we have now got ourselves?
§ Mr. GrantIf the hon. Gentleman wants me to use an adjective, it would be very similar to that which I used about the high unemployment under his Administration. The present Government will take responsibility for what happens next winter. What they do not take responsibility for is what happened during the six years of the Labour Government.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneWill my hon. Friend confirm that the sole result of the so-called regional policies pursued by the Labour Government in Scotland was that, notwithstanding hundreds of millions of pounds poured in, more than 80,000 jobs wore lost?
§ Mr. VarleyPart of the Government's case is that they have had a thorough-going review of regional policies. If they want to maintain this pretence, why are they being so timid in not publishing a White Paper setting out all the facts, the nature of the review, the cost-effectiveness of investment grants, and so on? The House is entitled to this information.
§ Mr. GrantThe Government published a White Paper last November on one aspect of regional incentives. The other matters have been fully debated in the House.