asked the Secretary of State for Industry what plans exist within his Department to develop new industrial undertakings in the central Lancashire area; and whether he is in a position to publish such plans.

My Department seeks to encourage new industrial investment in the central Lancashire area in accordance with its intermediate area status. In addition it will be one of the tasks of the National Enterprise Board to set up, or promote the setting up of, new industrial undertakings in areas where jobs are needed. The board is to have an office in the North-West Region and this will help it to assess the needs and opportunities in the region, but no specific plans exist at this stage.