§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the encouragement of investment in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have been asked to reply.
I am not aware of any recent representations of this nature.
§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy in relation to increasing (a) investment and (b) employment in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have been asked to reply.
26WThe Government's general strategy is designed to provide economic conditions conductive to investment and employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas. In relation to rural areas in England, the Secretary of State is advised and assisted by the Development Commission and their agency, the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas. The Government have raised the Development Commission's grant-in-aid by about a fifth in real terms since 1983 in recognition of the part the commission plays in stimulating investment and providing jobs through, for example, financing the provision of small factory units in keeping with the character of rural areas. The commission seeks increasingly to involve and encourage the private sector through support for local enterprise agencies, close co-operation with financial institutions and pump-priming investment.