§ 1. Mr. Radiceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the European Economic Community about labour subsidies for development areas.
§ Mr. RadiceCan the Minister ensure that not only the EEC but also the Council of Ministers is aware of the benefits of the regional employment premium, which is bringing at least 20,000 jobs to development areas? Will he tell the authorities that the case for retention of the regional employment premium is backed not only by the TUC and the CBI but also that highly respected mandarin economist Mr. Wynne Godley in last Friday's issue of The Times?
§ Mr. GrantThe Commission has not taken up any position on REP. There will be discussions in the course of formulation of regional policy. So far as the Government's position is concerned, we shall be discussing REP with the TUC and CBI shortly.
§ Mrs. Kellett-BowmanWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the constituency I represent was badly damaged by the REP and is only just now recovering, thanks to his action in introducing intermediate status to my constituency?
§ Mr. VarleyCan the Minister tell me of anyone apart from the Government who is in favour of abolishing regional employment premium?
§ Mr. GrantI can tell the hon. Gentleman one person who was in favour of phasing it out, and that was the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South-Bast (Mr. Callaghan) when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.