§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what discussions he has had with the North of England Economic Development Council about the level of Government funding; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will increase the level of Government grant to the North of England Development Council to £644,000 for 1981–82 and to £1,102,000 for 1982–83.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy hon. Friend the Minister for Industry had a useful meeting on 1 April with the North of England Development Council, with the chairman and director, along with representatives of the otherEnglish regional development bodies. The question of the future level of grant to the four bodies is now under consideration, and we hope to reach a decision soon.