ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the case for a growth area policy in Britain has rested mainly on the view that regional development is more likely to succeed if the locations most suitable for growth are identified and promoted. In Britain, as in other European countries, it has been suggested that regional development policy would be more effective if it was based on 'growth areas'. It is clear that the public expenditure involved in stimulating and providing the necessary facilities for development will vary substantially, depending on whether the development is dispersed or concentrated, remote or accessible. The other argument in favour of concentrating development is that only by so doing will industry benefit from the advantages of external economies and inter-industry linkages. Some concentration of population is essential to provide both a market and a labour force and to make possible the provision of all sorts of public services.
