HC Deb 16 May 1968 vol 764 c271W
42. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the proposals of the North-East Development Council to attract industry away from the Yorkshire and Humberside Region.

43. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in view of the inquiries made of the North-East Development Council since the beginning of 1968 by firms experiencing difficulty in expanding in the West Riding of Yorkshire, if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the work of the North-East Development Council to encourage industrialists to expand in the North-East.

Mr. Shore

The Government supports the general objectives of the Council in attracting new industry to the North-East. But it is not the Government's aim to persuade industry in the Yorkshire and Humberside region to move itself bodily to the Development Areas. I have informed the Council that in my view competition for industry between the Northern region and Yorkshire and Humberside is unlikely to serve the long-term interests of either region.

44. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what communication he has had from the Chairman of the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Council regarding the attempts of the North-East Development Council to get Yorkshire firms to move to the North-East of England; and what has been his answer.

Mr. Shore

I am arranging for copies of a letter I have received from Sir Roger Stevens and my reply to be placed in the Library.