HC Deb 01 March 1971 vol 812 cc307-8W
67 and 68. Mr. David Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why South Durham and Teesside were not included in those parts of the Northern Region recently designated as special development areas;

(2) why Newton Aycliffe New Town was not included in those parts of the Northern Region recently designated as special development areas.

Mr. Grant

The problems of these areas are not as acute as those of the special development areas in the Northern Region. They continue to enjoy, however, the substaniatl incentives available in the development areas to attract new projects and to encourage the expansion of existing industry.

Mr. David Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the total annual cost to the Government resulting from the extension of special development area status to additional parts of the Northern Region.

Mr. Anthony Grant

As stated in reply to the hon. Member's Questions earlier today, expenditure on assistance in individual areas cannot be reliably estimated.

Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further steps he intends to take to encourage industrialists to apply for industrial development certificates in the Northern Region.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The Government's economic and industrial policies are designed to put the economy on a sounder basis, thus encouraging development in the Northern Region and elsewhere. The Department will continue to bring to the attention of firms the advantages of locating and expanding in the Northern Region.

Mr. David Reed

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what criteria the parts of the Northern Region, recently designated as special development areas, were chosen.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The same factors as were indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire(Mr. Sillars) on 22nd February.—[Vol.812, c. 31.]