§ 5. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposal he has to assist industry in North Staffordshire.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Industry (Mr. Eric S. Heffer)We intend to give high priority to the stimulation of national industrial expansion. To this end we shall look carefully at the needs of industry in all areas, including North Staffordshire.
§ Mr. AshleyIs my hon. Friend aware that the Conservative Government grossly neglected North Staffordshire because they judged it by the sole criterion of a reasonable level of unemployment although the region is heavily dependent on a few industries that are not expanding? In view of the region's serious position, will my hon. Friend undertake an inquiry into the economic problems of North Staffordshire and ensure that it diversifies its industrial structure?
§ Mr. HefferAt this stage I cannot undertake an inquiry into North Staffordshire as such, but we are looking at the whole subject of the various regions, including the intermediate areas and other areas of great concern, and I assure my hon. Friend that we shall keep his area under close observation.