§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of Trade and Industry why Ministers in his Department have declined to see groups of hon. Members representing Birmingham on the issue of regional policy.
§ Mr. Norman LamontWe have seen a total of nine delegations from the west midlands as a whole with a wide range of representations, of which two included west midlands Members of Parliament. Also, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, as Minister with special responsibility for Department of Trade and Industry policies in the west midlands, has met many times with local Members of Parliament as well as representatives from local trade unions and employers.