§ 14. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he 21 will consider extra aid for the economically deprived industries of Leicester; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerIt is not possible to get high employment, successful industrial enterprise and economic growth, either nationally or in the regions, simply by paying out taxpayers money in grants and subsidies. Our priority is to overcome inflation and create an economic climate in which industry can prosper.
§ Mr. JannerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, far from creating a climate in which economic prosperity can grow, he has created one of the deepest gloom in every section of industry in the East Midlands, from knitwear, hosiery and footwear to engineering and confectionery? Every business, large or small, is affected by this misery. Does he intend to sit complacently on the Government Front Bench while our industry decays?
§ Mr. ButlerI shall do what I was doing this weekend in my constituency in the East Midlands—namely, visiting companies and factories that are expanding.