HC Deb 15 January 1986 vol 89 c586W
25. Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the workings of regional industrial policy.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Yes. However, I intend to supervise closely the workings of the current arrangements and consider carefully the possible need for any future changes which may appear necessary.

Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further steps he proposes to take to seek to improve industrial development in the regions.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Under the new regional policy announced in November 1984 a greater emphasis is placed on job creation. Many parts of the country have been designated as assisted areas, thus benefiting from various measures of assistance for industrial development. We will be monitoring the effectiveness of the new arrangements with great care.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next proposes to meet the National Economic Development Council to discuss the relationship between economic development and job creation in the regions.

Mr. Jack Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next proposes to meet the National Economic Development Council to discuss the relationship between economic development and job creation in the regions.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Either my right hon. and learned Friend or another Minister from the Department attends NEDC each month. Last November, as part of its continuing work on jobs, NEDC discussed papers on job creation in areas of high unemployment. Further related papers will be taken in the coming months.

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the objectives of his Department's regional policy; how he monitors its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The objective of the Government's regional industrial policy is to help reduce regional disparities in investment as well as employment opportunities. I can assure my hon. Friend that we will continue to monitor carefully how well the taxpayer's money is being spent in this respect.