HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 cc264-5W
35. Mr. Fallon

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many companies in the northern region have taken advantage of his Department's new initiatives.

Mr. Atkins

In the period from 13 January 1988, when the DTI's enterprise initiative was launched, to 30 June 1988, the DTI received from firms in the northern region 467 applications for the consultancy initiatives and 64 applications for regional enterprise grants. In addition, there have been 85 applications from firms in the region for DTI's competition for innovation, the small firms merit award for research and technology.

36. Mr. Cousins

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he will next be visiting the Northern Council of the Confederation of British Industry to discuss investment and industry in the northern region.

43. Mr. Clelland

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he will next be visiting the Northern Council of the Confederation of British Industry.

90. Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he will next be visiting the Northern Council of the Confederation of British Industry to discuss regional policy.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have no present plans to visit the Northern Council of the CBI although I do meet regularly northern businesses both here and during my frequent visits to the region. In my two recent visits to Teesside and to Newcastle I was encouraged to hear business people themselves confirming the reports of industrial progress and prospects for further growth which have figured in successive CBI surveys.

39. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received concerning the shortage of factory space in the northern region; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

My colleagues and I have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others about the rising demand for factory space in the northern region, which is one consequence of the general improvement in economic conditions in the area.

71. Mr. Leadbitter

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has concerning the average level of rents for factory units above 7,000 sq ft in the northern region.

Mr. Atkins

Rents for work space in the northern region vary widely according to their type, size, age and location. I understand that the rents currently charged or being sought by English Estates for units about 701 sq metres (7,546 sq ft) in the region between about 40p and 650p per sq ft.

94. Mr. Radice

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on behalf of constituents of the hon. Member for Durham, North concerning the shortage of factory space in the northern region; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Atkins

My colleagues and I have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others about the rising demand for factory space in the northern region which is one consequence of the general improvement in economic conditions in the area. These include the paper submitted by the hon. Member himself.