§ 33. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he is considering to extend the role of the Development Commission in the provision of increased support for the establishment of small industries in rural areas.
§ Mr. MarksIn response to the Consultative Paper "Devolution: the English Dimension" the Development Commission has made proposals for extending its role and resources to act as a rural development agency for England. These proposals are under consideration in the context of the continuing work of the Development Commission.
§ 65. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the future work of the Development Commission in the Northern Region.
§ Mr. ShoreA considerable part of the Development Commisison's work to date has been in the Northern Region, with programmes of factory construction and assistance to small industry and tourism through the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas. It is planned to continue this work, in addition, of course, to that to be carried out by the regional boards of the National Enterprise Board whose establishment was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry on 8th November.