HC Deb 14 November 1968 vol 773 cc117-8W
31. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what studies are being undertaken as to the effectiveness of the various forms of Government aid to the Northern Development Area, in view of the continued heavy unemployment there.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Some of the Government's measures of assistance to the development areas have only been in operation for a comparatively short time, and their impact cannot yet be measured in full. Nevertheless, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is undertaking an inquiry into the factors which affect the location decisions of firms, and this should throw some light on the effectiveness of the various forms of Government aid to the development areas.