HC Deb 01 March 1976 vol 906 cc439-40W
Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to reverse the fall in capital investment in the North-West.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

Figures relating to manufacturing industry's capital expenditure by region were published for the first time last week, and cover a period of only 18 months. It would be unwise to draw firm conclusions from figures relating to such a short period. The North-West, like other regions, stands to benefit from the measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to help bring forward capital investment in industry. In addition the whole of the Region is an Assisted Area and therefore regional incentives to manufacturing industry are available.