HC Deb 14 December 1983 vol 50 c480W
42. Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of manufacturing advisory service studies has been undertaken in the west midlands region in the latest financial year for which figures are available.

Mr. Butcher

The figures for the last financial year, 1982–83, show that, out of 1,135 firms receiving assistance from the manufacturing advisory service, 165—14.5 per cent.—were in the west midlands region.

Indications are that in the current financial year the number of firms in the west midlands benefiting from MAS assistance will be substantially up on last year.