HC Deb 13 July 1988 vol 137 cc266-7W
45. Mr. Henderson

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on recent developments in the Government's regional policy.

47. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on recent developments in the Government's regional policy.

Mr. Atkins

The recent DTI White Paper announced significant changes to regional policy designed to make it more effective. My Department's enterprise initiative aims to encourage enterprise and growth throughout the country, but recognises that special help is needed in some areas. Regional selective assistance continues to be available to firms in the assisted areas; regional enterprise grants to support investment and innovation projects are available for firms in the development areas with fewer than 25 employees; and in all assisted and urban programme areas the DTI will pay a higher level (two thirds) of the cost of consultancy projects designed to improve key management functions.