§ 42. Mr. Jayasked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage, measured by square feet, the total of new factory approvals in the London and South-East Region was of total approvals in Great Britain in the first half of 1958 and 1959, respectively.
§ Sir D. EcclesMeasured in square feet, 201 per cent. in the first half of 1958 and 17.4 per cent. in the first half of 1959.
§ Mr. JayDoes the President of the Board of Trade think that this is an adequate reduction in the share going to London in view of the promises which we had last autumn and this spring that there would be a tightening up in approvals in the London area? Is not this the key to the employment problem in many other parts of the country?
§ Sir D. EcclesProbably the figures are better than they look, because many of the approvals given in the London area are for warehouses, canteens and things which could not be put anywhere else; but we are pursuing a tough policy.