§ 34. Mr. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development arising from his recent visit to Yorkshire, what proposals he has for the development of industry designed to achieve a reduction of unemployment in Thorne and Goole.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. David Price)Unemployment in Goole is only fractionally above the national average. Where Thorneis concerned, the Board of Trade will continue to give sympathetic consideration to firms wishing to expand there, subject to the over-riding priorities of the development districts.
§ Mr. JegerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that although unemployment in Goole appears to be only fractionally higher than the national average, in reality it is much higher because much of it is concealed because people have to travel long distances to work outside the area? Will he give an assurance that where local initiative by Goole attracts new industrialists or expansionists, his Department will not discourage these initiatives, as it has been doing up to now?
§ Mr. PriceAs the hon. Member knows, we look at each case like Goole on its merits, but neither I nor my right hon. Friend could ever give a blanket assurance that any local initiative, however large, would automatically get permission, because this is one of the sources of getting new developments for development districts.
§ Mr. JegerDoes not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that any industrial development in Thorne or Goole will attract the unemployed from the one to the other area and thereby provide employment? Will he therefore treat the whole area as one and encourage expansion within it?