HC Deb 19 May 1966 vol 728 cc1541-2
48. Mr. Abse

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of present and projected decline in South Wales of employment in the mining and steel industries, he will now review the present practice of using industrial development certificates in order to ensure that their issue reflects the growing need in the area for job opportunities.

Mr. Jay

The needs of the areas affected by changes in the steel and coalmining industries are and will be taken fully into account in administering the i.d.c control.

Mr. Abse

Will my right hon. Friend seek to use tougher measures in view of the apprehensions caused by the well-known over-manning of the steel industry and the fact that 14 per cent. of the employment in mining was lost in one year—last year?

Mr. Jay

The facts which my hon. Friend adduces are among the reasons why we have both extended the development areas in South Wales and announced a further advance factory programme.

Mr. E. Rowlands

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the present boundaries of the development area in South Wales and include possibly Cardiff and other potential growth points?

Mr. Jay

No. I think that the present boundaries are right—that is, the widened boundaries which we propose under the powers in the Industrial Development Bill.