§ 29. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he now has for encouraging the expansion of industry in the West Midlands.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am confident that the West Midlands, as one of the country's major industrial and commercial centres, will benefit substantially from the Government's measures to stimulate a faster rate of growth in the economy as a whole.
§ Mr. PriceIs the Minister aware that, despite the acute problems of the West Midlands, most of us do not argue for I.D.C.s, because we recognise that others need them far more than we do, and that our plea on behalf of the area is simply for economic circumstances in which existing industry can flourish? Is he further aware that the Government have a deplorable record in this matter?
§ Mr. GrantApart from the hon. Gentleman's last remark, I thought that his supplementary question was very reasonable and did credit to him. It is precisely to achieve the state of affairs he wants that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer put forward his 4th July measures. If it is any consolation to him, as it should be, as a result of those measures exports are rising and the sale of consumer durables is increase- 26 ing, particularly of motors, which is very important to his area.