§ 21. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to encourage new industries into the South Yorkshire area.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe biggest contribution which the Government can make to help industry is to continue the policies by which we aim to encourage a return to real competitiveness compared with our main competitors overseas, in contrast to the persistent decline over recent years. There is evidence that these are now beginning to work. In addition, most of South Yorkshire is to remain eligible for regional aid providing substantial incentives for industrial investment.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make further arrangements to assist those areas in South Yorkshire where unemployment has reached previously unrecorded levels.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Government are naturally concerned about the level of unemployment in South Yorkshire, as elsewhere. Our policies are aimed at reducing inflation and restoring competitiveness, which is the only way to provide a secure basis for new jobs. In addition, in South Yorkshire most of the county is and will remain an assisted area.