§ 14. Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent local business experience is employed in assessing assistance under the Industry Act.
§ Mr. CryerAs our criteria describe, local and national industrial implications are taken into account in appraising applications for selective assistance. The local industrial context is provided 18 through the Government's regional centres which cover all localities in the United Kingdom and maintain continuing contacts with the development and needs of industry in their areas. These offices include among their staff business men on secondment. For the main assisted areas, where structural problems and unemployment are at their most serious, the bulk of proposals are placed before independent regional industrial development boards, whose membership is drawn from the local industrial and financial community.
§ Mr. SilvesterIs the Minister aware that I am pleased that he has been able to list some areas where he takes local advice? Will he agree that it is important for the people in these areas to feel that they are participating closely in the assessment of aid? Is he further aware that local business men have a great deal of experience, particularly when it comes to matters relating to the skills and the work force available? Will he see what he can do further to extend the involvement of these gentlemen?
§ Mr. CryerAs I have said, the independent regional industrial development boards already contain representatives from the business community. The Department is always willing to seek and receive advice. It is difficult to know what further action we can take to meet the hon. Member's point.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantDoes the Minister take any notice of the advice he receives from local business men? Can he cite any local business man who supports the unlawful policy of the Government of bullying small firms in the assisted areas merely because they will not comply with the Government's pay policy?
§ Mr. CryerThe hon. Gentleman's assertion is totally unfounded. There has been no bullying of small firms by the Government. Small firms frequently find themselves more bullied by large firms, which have the support of Opposition Members. The Government have given a great deal of support and encouragement to small firms, and the Opposition should recognise that. In the regions these matters are considered by the various regional boards. There has been a caseload of more than 3,000, and the advice given has been accepted in those circumstances.
§ Mr. FellWill the hon. Gentleman have discussions with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment about the position in Great Yarmouth and that area generally to ascertain whether something may be done to give more help, bearing in mind that lately the area has suffered greatly?
§ Mr. CryerThat suggests to me that the hon. Gentleman is wanting more public expenditure for Yarmouth. The Opposition should clarify their hypocrisy. Externally they constantly call for cuts in public expenditure except when they affect their own constituencies. When that happens, they come bleating to the Government asking for more money.
§ Mr. FellOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker. It is a bit rough for hon. Members to be called hypocrites when they ask simple questions.
§ Mr. SpeakerI think that the term was used in a general sense.