§ 3. Mr. P. Browneasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many applications his Department has received for grant aid under the Local Employment Acts, 1960 and 1963, since February, 1963, for the development district of Bideford and Torrington; and how many of these applications have been accepted, are pending, or have been refused.
§ The Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Edward Heath)Fourteen applications for grants under the Local Employment Acts have been received from eight firms. Five of these firms have had their applications approved in principle, and one has been refused. The other two cases are under consideration.
§ Mr. BrowneWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, which is encouraging, may I ask him whether he is aware that we have had the greatest help from his Department both here in London and regionally in our efforts to attract industry? Is my right hon. Friend aware that we still have unemployment figures of 5.5 per cent.? May I hope that these two applications will be speedily agreed in the right direction?
§ Mr. HeathI realise the position, and I assure my hon. Friend that the applications will certainly be dealt with speedily.