HC Deb 13 May 1985 vol 79 cc14-5W
Mrs. Reneée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what emphasis he intends to place on the West Midlands region during the course of the campaign which he is initiating to encourage foreign firms to establish themselves in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Trippier

The "Britain Means Business" (BMB) campaign will promote overseas a single, united image of the whole of the United Kingdom with no geographical bias. The promotional efforts of the relevant public sector inward investment bodies and the private sector will be co-ordinated to achieve maximum success and benefit for the United Kingdom.

The west midlands, in common with all the other areas of the United Kingdom, has the opportunity to play a full and active part in the campaign's activities. On their behalf the West Midlands Industrial Development Association (WMIDA) is acting as co-sponsor at two events in the United States as well as being involved in other BMB activities.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list, region by region, the number of private enterprises which are contributing towards the sponsorship of the campaign which he is initiating to encourage foreign businesses to establish themselves in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Trippier

Fifteen private enterprises so far have agreed to contribute in cash or in kind to the "Britain Means Business" campaign. Most of these enterprises are in the banking or accountancy sectors and are based in London, although many have operational branches throughout Britain. Region by region, of the 15 enterprises, 13 are based in the south east of England, one in the west midlands and one in Scotland.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he intends to take any steps to seek to encourage his counterpart in the Japanese Government to persuade private companies in his country to consider establishing themselves in the west midlands.

Mr. Trippier

The Secretary of State made clear to Japanese Government and industry during his recent visit to Japan that the Government welcome Japanese companies whose investment will be of net benefit to the United Kingdom economy. The precise locations of those investments within the United Kingdom are for the companies themselves to decide.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific assistance he intends to give to the West Midlands Industrial Development Association to promote further investments and new industries in the West Midlands Region.

Mr. Trippier

For the period April 1985 to March 1986, up to £130,000 of grant aid will be made available to the West Midlands Industrial Development Association, towards promotional activities directed to attracting new industry, especially from overseas, to the west midlands.