§ Mr. Sheldonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why four advance factories have been allocated to the North-West Region out of a total of more than 50; and what action he proposes to increase this number.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe role of Government advance factories in meeting the need for more jobs in development areas varies from one area to another. In the light of the many factors taken into account in formulating the recent programme, I believe the allocation to the North-West Region to be reasonable. The employment needs of the region and the contribution of further advance factories will continue to be kept under review.