§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will state his policy towards encouraging new and extended industrial development in the West Midlands and the Black Country area of the region; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Government are reviewing the assistance at present available to industry. Our policies will be designed to create a proper climate in which commerce and industry can flourish and this will encourage industrial development in the Black Country and the West Midlands, as in the rest of the country.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the number of advance factories approved for the Bishop 291W Auckland constituency over the past five years, with the total area of factory space and the total cost.
§ Mr. David MitchellSince 1974 a 900m2 standard factory and a 900m2 terraced block of four units have been approved. As the former is still under construction and land has to be acquired for the latter, it is not possible at this stage to give the total cost.
§ Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the number of firms which have received regional development grants in the Bishop Auckland constituency since 1974, the total amounts involved, and the number of jobs created.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe information is not available in the form requested and could not be provided without disproportionate cost. The payment of regional development grant is intended to assist the modernisation and regeneration of industry but is not directly related to the creation of employment. I am writing further to the hon. Member.