§ Mr. Nicholas Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policy he has followed to attract alternative employment to areas where tobacco products are manufactured, but where employment is reducing due to a sustained reduction in demand for tobacco products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierTobacco products are manufactured in many parts of the UK but a major part of the industry is in areas where unemployment is above the average. My Department provides resources on a substantial scale under various schemes of assistance in the regions. Our recent overhaul of regional policy has targeted the main areas of need more accurately in order to get the maximum benefit from these resources.