HC Deb 29 February 1984 vol 55 cc172-3W
20. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about the discriminatory effect of past and present regional industrial policies on the west midlands; and what are his proposals to correct and compensate for this bias.

Mr. John Butcher

A number of representations have been made to myself and colleagues—not least by my hon. Friend — about the effect of regional industrial policy on the west midlands and other non-assisted areas. The Government took account of such representations in their review of the policy. The outcome of that review and the Government's proposals for improvements are set out in the recent White Paper "Regional Industrial Development.