HC Deb 22 May 1968 vol 765 c85W
53. Mr. Albert Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is with his approval that the North-East Development Council is spending public funds in an attempt to induce industry to leave Yorkshire.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

No. The Council is responsible for its own publicity. But while it remains the Government's policy to give priority to the needs of the Development Areas for new employment, I deprecate any action being taken which would intensify the economic difficulties of the less prosperous areas of Yorkshire.

56. Mr. David Watkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade what assistance the North-East Development Council has received from his Department to assist their policy of attracting industry to the North-East as a contribution to solving the chronic unemployment problems of that area.

Mrs. Gwyneth Danwoody

The Government's Distribution of Industry policy has as a major objective the encouragement of industry in development areas, and my Regional Office in Newcastle co-operates with the North East Development Council in bringing the merits of the North East to the notice of firms seeking locations in such areas.