§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to encourage the construction industry in the north-west of England during 1984.
§ Mr. GowTotal output of the construction industry in the north-west grew by 9 per cent. in 1984, reflecting the success of the Government's economic policies. New orders grew by 4 per cent. My hon. Friend will be familiar with the work of the Merseyside task force; and with the substantial roads programme described by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Transport to the Building Employers Confederation at its regional meeting on 1 February.