§ 15. Mr. W. T. Rodgersasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Coun- 10 cil, what forecast has been made available to him of the future growth of the chemical industry on Tees-side and the employment it will provide; and what account has been taken of this in his long-term plans for the North-East.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethMy noble Friend has been kept informed of the future plans of the chemical industry on Tees-side and their consequent effect on employment. He has taken these fully into account in preparing his plan for the North-East.
§ Mr. RodgersIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is very great concern, particularly on the north bank of the Tees, about the future of the Billingham plant of I.CI., which is in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield (Mr. Slater) but provides employment over a large area? One would expect this plant to be a growth point for the future, but plans have been announced which will involve a considerable reduction of employment. Can the hon. Gentleman be more precise about the information which the Lord President has received so that we may more clearly assess how far the need for further employment for these people is to be met?
§ Mr. FreethThe hon. Gentleman is really asking me to make the announcement which will be made later this week.