HC Deb 02 April 1979 vol 965 c484W
32. Mr. Radice

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is satisfied with industrial progress in the Northern region.

Mr. Alan Williams

The Government will continue to do everything practical to encourage the continued growth of industry in the region, the whole of which is either a special development or development area. Firms there have received £557 million from the present Government in regional development grants; offers of regional selective assistance of £76 million, promoting investment of £1,107 million; offers of other kinds of selective assistance of £31 million. In addition, 153 factories have been authorised by this Department providing 2.3 million square feet of floor space.

Allocations to firms of advance factories, including relets, in recent years are as follows:

Mr. Kaufman

I met Commissioner Davignon on 22 March.