HC Deb 17 June 1965 vol 714 c877
21. Mr. Tilney

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the proportion of industrial establishments employing over 500 people to total industrial establishments on Merseyside and in Greater London, respectively.

Mr. Jay

In 1958—the latest year for which the information is available—4.1 per cent. of industrial establishments in Merseyside and 2.0 per cent. in Greater London employed 500 persons or more.

Mr. Tilney

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these figures show that, in areas where there are very many large companies but fewer ancillary industries, there is greater employment and there is a relationship that ought to be studied because of these figures?

Mr. Jay

The figures are interesting, though I am not absolutely sure that they show that. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is need for more employment in the Merseyside area and our policy is intended to secure that.