§ 53. Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish a report of his Department's review of regional policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John DaviesI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a supplementary question by my hon. Friend the Member for St. Marylebone (Mr. Kenneth Baker) on 7th February.
§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the total amounts expended 10W by his Department on all aspects of regional policy in 1969, 1970 and 1971.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe following is the information:
£ million 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 Payments of assistance under the Local employment Acts 50.7 58.5 60.8 Investment Grants Differential (Estimated)* 89.0 100.0 123.5 Regional Employment Premium† 0.5 0.6 0.5 £140.2 £159.1 £184.8 * This represents the regional differential element in investment grants. The total amount paid in development areas amounted to £190.8 million in 1968–69, £210.2 million in 1969–70, and £239.5 million in 1970–71. † Regional employment premium is paid by the Department in respect of certain ancillary activities of the National Coal Board and the British Air Corporation.
§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he can now state whether or when he expects to publish the results of his review of regional policies.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to a supplementary question from my hon. Friend the Member for St. Marylebone (Mr. Kenneth Baker), on 7th February.—[Vol. 830, c. 969–71.]