§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many delegations his Ministers have seen since 1979 appealing against the withdrawal of development area status; and if he will list the bodies they represented.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe information is not readily available in the form requested. However, since July 1979, when the Government announced the results of their review of regional industrial policy, Ministers at the Department of Industry have received 74 deputations to discuss the changes in assisted areas as they affected particular areas. The deputations, generally representing local authorities and regional development bodies, were in some cases accompanied by right hon. and hon. Members of this House.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he expects to be able to respond to the initiatives of local hon. Members, local government and industry to his reconsideration of removal of development area status from Bolton.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Industry, pursuant to the second paragraph of his reply on 8 February to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe, whether he now accepts that the Manchester/Salford partnership area should be designated as a development area.
§ Mr. MacGregorI shall reply to the right hon. and hon. Members as soon as possible.