§ 31. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade what study he has made of the letters sent to him by the Dunstable Borough Council and the West Dunstable Residents' Association in connection with the diversification of industry in the area; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. DarlingThe views expressed have been noted. It has, however, been explained that the Government's distribution of industry policy requires that first priority be given to the needs of the development areas. Proposals to set up new industry in the South-East are examined carefully in the light of this policy.
§ Mr. RobertsWould the Minister agree that areas such as South Bedfordshire, which are dominated by the motor industry, are particularly subject to economic fluctuation? Does he agree that unemployment should not be the only criteria and that we have to provide these areas with the planned growth of the motor industry to start with and, 1593 secondly, considerable diversification of industry in order to provide a planned pattern of growth?
§ Mr. DarlingYes. There are other areas in the country depending very largely upon a single industry. Fortunately, there is virtually full employment in the Dunstable area, and I am sure that the overriding needs of less fortunate areas are properly appreciated. I can tell my hon. Friend that the Board of Trade Regional Controller has offered to meet the Residents' Association to discuss distribution of industry policy with the members.