HC Deb 25 June 1979 vol 969 cc3-4
3. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures he is taking to assist the development of new industries in Consett and Stanley, Co. Durham.

The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. David Mitchell)

The measures announced in the Budget will help to stimulate industry throughout the country. Regional industrial policy is currently being reviewed.

Mr. Watkins

Is the Minister aware that there is the gravest concern in my constituency about the future of the steel industry? Is he further aware that, notwithstanding what he has just said, the only proven way of stimulating new industry in the area is, as it has been, by active Government intervention, the continuance of which is supported by, amongst others, the northern regional council of the Confederation of British Industry?

Mr. Mitchell

The problems of unemployment in that area form part of the regional policy review. It is not necessarily a matter for Government assistance only. The work of Enterprise North will be known to the hon. Gentleman. The study commissioned by the British Steel Corporation into the scope of the future industrial development concept will also receive our attention.

Mr. Armstrong

Is the Minister aware that, without a strong regional policy over the years, areas such as the Northern region, which are so dependent on traditional heavy industries and which have suffered job losses, will be disaster areas? Therefore, any withdrawal of regional grants and incentives would cause devastation in the Northern region. Will the Minister also bear in mind that there are special areas such as West Durham, represented by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Consett (Mr. Watkins), which need special incentives so that we may work towards the prosperity enjoyed by the rest of the country?

Mr. Mitchell

In the course of our review of regional policy we shall take into account the points made by the right hon. Gentleman. I was in Durham last Wednesday, hearing about and learning about the problems at first hand and I have reported back on them.