HC Deb 18 May 1981 vol 5 c7
10. Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has yet concluded his consideration of the need of the textile area of West Yorkshire for Government assistance.

The Minister for Industry and Information Technology (Mr. Kenneth Baker)

I hope to do so shortly.

Mr. Woolmer

In coming to that decision, will the Minister bear it in mind that an enormous number of jobs have been lost in the textile areas of West Yorkshire? For example, in the Batley and Dewsbury area, unemployment has risen under this Government by 173 per cent. Is the Minister aware that male unemployment in Batley amounts to 22.5 per cent? When is "shortly"? When does the Minister intend to take policy decisions that will offer hope, instead of gloom, to the employers, workers and communities of the textile areas?

Mr. Baker

I am aware of the problems in the wool textile industry. As the hon. Gentleman knows, I recently visited the area for a few days. The factors that he mentioned will be taken into account. The hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Ginsburg) saw my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about a month ago. All these factors will be taken into account.

Mr. Waller

Although there is much support for his policy of being more selective in the use of regional assistance, is not my hon. Friend aware that there is concern that our policy may disqualify some of those areas from assistance from the EEC? Will he take that into account when he makes any future decisions?

Mr. Baker

I am aware of that. A total exclusion is not involved, as some funds under the social fund may be available. Many other factors are involved. One of the difficulties is determining the boundaries of regional policy and the relative claims of different areas. It is a difficult problem for any Government to deal with.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the hon. Gentleman bear it in mind that the West Yorkshire textile industry has just been through the worst year in its history, and that the EEC countries of France, Holland and Belgium provide massive aid schemes for their textile industries? Could Britain do the same for its textile industry, given that we provide support for the steel, car and fishing industries?

Mr. Baker

I am aware of the hon. Lady's interest in this subject. Indeed, I read the report of the Adjournment debate that she recently initiated. None of the schemes mooted by those three Governments has been implemented. We are considering them carefully. Since we have been in power about 403 projects of assistance to the wool textile industry—amounting to about £11.4 million—have been approved by the Government.