HC Deb 01 March 1976 vol 906 cc890-1
2. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has now arranged a date for his visit to North Staffordshire.

The Minister of State, Department of Industry (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie)

I have arranged to visit North Staffordshire on 12th March.

Mr. Ashley

Is my hon. Friend aware that he will receive a very warm welcome from the people and civic leaders of North Staffordshire, who will want to prove to him that the area is a sub-region with unique problems—not necessarily shared by the West Midlands—which have been neglected, overlooked and underrated by successive Governments? We look forward to seeing my hon. Friend.

Mr. Mackenzie

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for telling me that I shall be welcomed there as I have been welcomed in days gone by. I have arranged to meet the Staffordshire County Council. I hope that during the meeting I shall hear from the Council the range of problems that it wants to put to me.