HC Deb 14 May 1973 vol 856 c1003
11. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms have received financial assistance for removal in the South-Western development area; how much assistance was offered in each of the last three years; and how much employment was expected to result.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Twenty-four firms have been offered removal grants totalling £325,000 in the last three years in respect of moves to the South Western development area expected to create an estimated 2,300 jobs.

Mr. Hicks

I thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging information. Is he aware that, according to Inland Revenue statistics, average incomes in the Cornwall part of the South-Western development area are lower than those in all other United Kingdom development areas bar one? Will he agree that it is essential that, to promote the necessary increase in job quality opportunity, Cornwall should be classified as a peripheral region in the context of European competition policy and European regional policy?

Mr. Grant

My hon. Friend will appreciate that these are matters to be discussed within the Community and he must rest assured that the interests of Cornwall will be considered. I entirely accept that Cornwall by its remoteness has certain difficulties, but my answer indicates a great improvement in its prospects.