§ 21. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures he is now taking to assist the development of new industries in the South Yorkshire area.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Government's taxation and other policies are designed to encourage industry to expand. South Yorkshire, with the exception of the Sheffield travel-to-work area, is to remain an assisted area, while we have raised the Mexborough and Rotherham travel-to-work areas to development area status.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes the Minister realise that in South Yorkshire there are still these large pockets of unemployment, which will be aggravated by the Government's policy of making vicious cuts in public expenditure? Will he look again at this problem and take into account the fact that local authorities are doing their best to build factories and plants, and that even the South Yorkshire county council became involved? Will he give further encouragement to them?
§ Mr. MitchellPublic expenditure cuts are necessary to enable us to live within our means. The central point of the hon. Gentleman's question is answered by the fact that our policies are designed on the basis of providing incentives, of removing the burdens that afflict industry, and of encouraging the creation and expansion of jobs and the economy generally.
§ Mr. John H. OsbornWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that Sheffield has an industrial infrastructure and supplies nearly half the jobs available in South Yorkshire?
§ Mr. MitchellMy hon. Friend is correct. I recently met a deputation of Members of Parliament and representatives of local authorities, at which he was present, which brought home the point that he is now raising.