HC Deb 29 March 1971 vol 814 c262W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he would have, in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community, to attract new investment to the Northern Region, in view of the reluctance of industrialists to invest in an area so far away from the main market in an enlarged Community.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The Treaty of Rome makes provision for members to give assistance to regional development. I do not accept that United Kingdom membership of the European Economic Community would lead to any loss of investment in the Northern Region. On the contrary, all parts of the country should share in the increased opportunities that membership would give.