HC Deb 20 March 1972 vol 833 cc214-5W
72. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the interests of regions such as the North, he will examine the pattern of orders placed by Her Majesty's Government, and give general directions to the nationalised industries for which he is responsible to do likewise, with a view to the more effective assistance of industry in these regions.

Mr. John Davies

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 15th February. The nationalised boards already give preference, other things being equal, to firms in the development areas.—[Vol. 831, c.60–1.]