Northern Region (Hansard, 25 March 1974)

§ 19. Mr. Radice
asked the Secretary of State for Industry what plans he has to reduce the total of unemployment in the Northern Region.

§ Mr. Heffer
I am giving urgent consideration to the measures needed to stimulate regional development and employment in the areas of greatest need, including the Northern Region.

§ Mr. Radice
Is my hon. Friend aware that we in the Northern Region are delighted that the Government have had the good sense to retain the regional employment premium, at least until other arrangements are made? However, will he accept that, if the massive gaps in the levels of unemployment between the North and the South are ever to be closed, a great deal more needs to be done?

§ Mr. Heffer
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We on this side of the House have been arguing for many years that we needed an industrial policy that would deal precisely with narrowing the gap between the North and the South. This is what we intend to do with the positive proposals we shall put before the House in the not too distant future.

§ Mr. Hill
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the criteria of working out the regional policy programme for the Community unemployment figures feature very largely? Would it not be wise at this stage for him to invite a delegation from the Community's regional policy committee so that it could see for itself the problems of this region?

§ Mr. Heffer
The hon. Gentleman is surely aware of the fact that the Expenditure Committee went into the question of the EEC regional policy. Mr. Thomson was invited to give evidence, and he gave it to the committee. The points then raised will be taken note of. I do not think that at this stage there would be any advantage in inviting such a delegation.

§ Mr. Leadbitter
My hon. Friend will be aware that questions of unemployment in the Northern Region and development areas in particular are matters of vital importance to us. In this respect, however, he is aware of the closures in the steel industry in my constituency, where 4,500 jobs are involved. Is he able to say at this stage that the promised review of investment programmes in this industry will include the plant in Hartlepool and other plants in the development area?

§ Mr. Heffer
My right hon. Friend has made it absolutely clear to the British Steel Corporation that the Government wish to review all planned closures, in accordance with what we said when in opposition. I understand that there is no question of the investment programme being in any way slowed down.