asked the Prime Minister when he last paid an official visit to Lancashire; whom he met there; whether he is satisfied with general progress in the region since June, 1970; and if he will make a statement.

On 29th October, when I met the North-Western Economic Planning Council, the North-West Industrial Development Association and the British Textile Employers' Association. I believe that our reflationary measures, together with the action we have taken in respect of cotton textile imports, will do much to strengthen the economy of the region.