§ 59. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether consideration is given, before decisions are taken regarding Exchequer contributions towards capital spending projects of local authorities and nationalised industries, to the implications of such projects for regional policy; and if he will take steps to ensure that a fair share of such contributions is reserved for areas outside London and the south-east of England.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIndividual projects are assessed on their merits, but full account is taken of any regional policy implications. Investment, and in particular that of nationalised industries, often creates substantial employment in areas other than those directly benefiting.