§ 23. Mr. Milneasked the President of the Board of Trade what examination he has made into the possibility of scheduling Blyth as a development area under the Local Employment Act.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend has considered this, but he does not think that the industrial prospects for Blyth at present warrant the inference that high and persistent unemployment is to be expected there. He will continue to watch the position in this as in neighbouring areas.
§ Mr. MilneDoes that reply indicate that the President of the Board of Trade is less interested in the situation in Blyth now than he was during the recent by-election campaign?
§ Mr. MacphersonNot at all. According to a Press report, my right hon. Friend said that he would consider scheduling Blyth as a development area. As I have said, he has considered it, and he will continue to keep it in review.