HC Deb 15 March 1989 vol 149 c266W
52. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the percentage change in real terms in regional preferential assistance since 1978–79.

Mr. Atkins

Expenditure in real terms on regional preferential assistance in Great Britain in 1987–88 was 56 per cent. lower than in 1978–79. Much of the reduction has arisen from steps taken to improve cost effectiveness in terms of creating jobs at a lower public expenditure cost.