§ Mr. BatesTo ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the results of the Government's policies in the northern region since 1983; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will list, by Government Departments, the principal aid given to the northern region in each year since 1983.
§ The Prime MinisterSince 1983, Government policy and programmes have helped with the transition of the economy of the north-east region to its present more diversified base.
This process has been substantially helped by overseas investment of over £2 billion. The Department of Trade and Industry has also committed over £1 billion in assisting industrial and commercial projects, helping to create or safeguard around an estimated 50,000 jobs. Unemployment in the north-east has fallen from a peak of 19.6 per cent. in 1986 to 12.7 per cent. now.