§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the effect of the withdrawal of the regional employment premium on employment in Hartlepool.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am not satisfied that a suitable technique exists for estimating this in Hartlepool, but all relevant factors will be taken into consideration before a decision is reached on the method of phasing out the premium. We have made clear that there will be no abrupt termination of the scheme.