HC Deb 18 January 1979 vol 960 cc821-2W
Q31. Mr. Wiley

asked the Prime Minister if he will designate a Minister of Cabinet rank with special responsibilities for the Northern region.

The Prime Minister:

I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Lichfield and Tamworth (Mr. Grocott) on 21st November. The Government recognise that the Northern region faces serious economic and social problems, but I do not believe that my right hon. Friend's proposal would be likely to improve matters. So far as resources allow, the Government have provided and will continue to provide substantial assistance to the Northern region and the other assisted areas.