§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what special steps he proposes to take to help overcome the persistent and growing rate of unemployment in Clacton-on-Sea; and whether he will take steps to declare it an area which should qualify for help similar to that given to towns in intermediate and development areas.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and set out in the Government's recent White Paper "Industrial and Regional Development" (Cmnd. 4942) are designed to encourage investment and reduce unemployment. I do not consider that the extension of assisted area status to Clacton is justified in present circumstances.