HC Deb 20 July 1981 vol 9 cc11-2W
14. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to promote industry in the Portsmouth travel-to-work area.

Mr. MacGregor

The Government's role generally is to help create conditions in which competitive and enterprising industry can develop in all parts of the country, including Portsmouth. I recognise, however, that the rundown of employment at the dockyard will present special problems for the area; as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence made clear in the recent defence debate, Ministers in the relevant Departments are already assessing what practical steps might be taken to remove obstacles to the investment needed to provide alternative job opportunities.

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