§ 46. Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (1) what steps he is taking to implement the Government's policy expressed in "The Task Ahead", that the economy of the Northern Region is rebuilt on a new firm foundation;
(2) what additional action he is taking together with the Economic Planning Council in view of the need to provide jobs in the Northern Region for men displaced from traditional industries.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeMy hon. Friend will be aware of the wide range of measures, summarised in Chapter 9 of "The Task Ahead", which we have taken to encourage industrial development and which are increasing proving their worth. We are regularly in close consultation with the Northern Economic Planning Council about employment prospects in the region. The forthcoming publication of the Council's proposals for an economic development strategy will mark a further important step towards putting the region's economy permanently on a sounder footing.