HC Deb 17 May 1960 vol 623 cc1069-70
5. Mr. Boyden

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for assistance under the Local Employment Act for development in the North-East have resulted from his circularisation of business firms.

Mr. Maudling

There have been so far sixteen preliminary applications for assistance under the Local Employment Act for development in the North-East. In addition, there have been about 150 inquiries from firms which appear to be interested.

Mr. Boyden

Where does the Board of Trade get the figure of 10,000 jobs in the future recently given to Durham County Council? In my constituency, there has been only one I.D.C. issued since the Local Employment Act was passed, and there are still 2,000 people out of work. When is some of the development likely to take place in the North-East and in my constituency in particular?

Mr. Maudling

If the hon. Gentleman will put that dawn as a Question, I shall be glad to answer on the detail. The general figures we give from the Board of Trade of prospective jobs are based on firm applications for I.D.Cs.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these applications are from firms within the area wishing to expand and how many represent genuine efforts from people outside to come into the area?

Mr. Maudling

Not without notice. With notice, I shall be glad to supply the answer.