§ 41. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds Middlesbrough has been left out of the North-East Coast Development Area.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)Middlesbrough has not been included because, so far as can be foreseen, its needs for new industrial development will be less than that of Tyneside and the County of Durham.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are no statistics to confirm the view that he has expressed; that for all industrial purposes Middlesbrough is, and always has been, a constituent part of the North East coast, and that a serious injustice will be inflicted by leaving it out of the special arrangements which have cost more than £60,000?
§ Captain WaterhouseThere are material differences between the economic conditions of Middlesbrough and those of other parts of the North East area, but what the hon. Member says will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. EdwardsCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication of what the differences are? That is the point of the Question.
§ Captain WaterhouseThere are differences in industry. The bulk of the North East area depends almost entirely on coal. Middlesbrough does not, and it has the advantage of large steel works too.
§ Mr. EdwardsIn view of that altogether inaccurate answer, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.