§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps his Department has taken to emphasise to businesses and offices the advantage of locating in the northern regions and particularly in Yorkshire and Humberside.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy Department plays an active part in promoting to industry the advantages that can be gained in locating businesses and offices in the assisted areas. To this end in the past 12 months the Department has taken part in national exhibitions, includingThe Times Business to Business Show; has organised or attended a number of national and local seminars and has approached a considerable number of companies directly through a "mail shot" campaign.
In addition my Department provides support to a number of regional bodies with responsibilities in this field. In particular we have provided financial assistance to the Yorkshire and Humberside Development Association which is active in promoting the region, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if his Department will consider revising regional aid to create incentives to businesses and nationalised industries to locate their headquarters in the regions away from the south-east; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MacGregorThe office and service industries scheme already provides incentives to encourage businesses—including nationalised industries—to set up, expand or relocate headquarters in the assisted areas.