§ 2 Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress in assisting the economy of West Cumbria.
§ The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Leon Brittan)Our success in bringing down inflation and the further measures announced in the Budget will help to create the right conditions for industry to flourish over the country as a whole, including West Cumbria.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursIs the Financial Secretary aware that the position in West Cumbria today is desperate, with monthly closures and escalating unemloyment figures—among the highest in the United Kingdom? Is he further aware that small firms are not being set up in the way that the Government suggested? During the Report stage of the Finance Bill, will he introduce further measures to reduce interest rates for smaller companies so as to allow them to set up operations?
§ Mr. BrittanI am sure that the Financial Secretary is as aware of conditions in West Cumbria as I am, but I am by no means persuaded that specific measures of the kind that the hon. Gentleman describes are the best way to help his constituents. I am, however, convinced that continuing to bring down the rate of inflation and providing a stable framework for the advance of the economy as a whole is the best way to deal with the problems of all parts of the country.