§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to review regional policy; and if he has any proposals to correct social and economic imbalance among the regions.
§ Mr. TrippierOfficials are currently undertaking a review of regional economic policy. We asked them to examine the working of current policies and identify ways in which they might be made more effective, and a first report was submitted last year. When officials have completed the further work we have commissioned, we will then wish to consider carefully whether any changes should be made. A statement will be made in due course.
The Government remain firmly committed to an effective regional policy which will promote industrial and economic development in those areas of the country most in need of employment opportunities.