§ Q1. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if, in the light of the circumstances of the proposed disposal of the Bathgate factory tractor assembly line by British Leyland, she will review the regional policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. DalyellAre Harold Macmillan and his Cabinet, who intervened to steer the motor industry to Bathgate, now to be disowned?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I am not certain what the hon. Gentleman means, but I think he may be implying that the Government are not helping industry so much as he believes that Harold Macmillan did. In relation to BL, since 1975 help from the British taxpayer has amounted to £2.3 billion, of which the Government have supplied or committed £1.4 billion.
§ Mr. StokesIn any review of regional policy, and in spite of the vast sums given to BL, will my right hon. Friend remember that, on the whole, regional policies have done nothing but immense damage to the whole of the West Midlands?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government still continue a vigorous regional policy, hoping to tempt firms to go to the areas in which jobs are needed. Once firms go to those areas, it is up to the firms to produce goods that are saleable both at home and abroad.