§ 25. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new industries have been located in the Consett and Stanley areas of County Durham as a result of British membership of the Common Market.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantSo far this year 28 firms have decided to locate projects in the Northern Region which are new to the region. Two of them have chosen sites in North-West Durham. It is not possible to say how far our membership of the EEC will have weighed in their decisions but it has probably been an important factor.
§ Mr. WatkinsWhat efforts are the Government making to make the Council of Ministers aware of the requirements of special development areas, such as Consett and Stanley? As the straight answer to my original Question was obviously "None", why did the Minister not say so?
§ Mr. GrantOn the contrary, our regional policy is constantly a matter for discussion. I cannot add further to what my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development has said on many occasions on this subject.