§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what study he has made of the need to make development area policies more flexible with the creation of mini-development areas giving additional help to pockets of high unemployment outside the main development areas.
§ Mr. CryerThe three categories of assisted areas are already extensive and it is difficult to contemplate their extention without corresponding reductions elsewhere. Experience has shown that the regional incentives operate more effectively if they are on offer within broadly defined areas not subject to frequent change. The Government have already introduced a series of measures to alleviate unemployment and to encourage investment throughout the country including sectoral schemes under Section 8 of the Industry Act 1972 and the temporary employment subsidy.