HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1655-6
63. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the recent large increase in the level of unemployment in Doncaster, he will now consider the introduction of a higher level of investment grant for that area.

Mr. Jay

No, Sir.

Mr. Walker

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are large differences between national average unemployment levels and those of the development areas which do not find reflection in the level of investment grant? Is not the gap between 25 per cent. and 45 per cent. too great? Will my right hon. Friend consider having an intermediate level.

Mr. Jay

Although they do not find a reflection in the differential of the investment grant, they do find a reflection in the developing use of the industrial development certificates, and that is the appropriate weapon in this case.

64. Mr. Harold Walker

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures he proposes to give effect to the recommendation of the Yorkshire and Humberside Economic Planning Council that the natural advantages for industrial growth of the Doncaster area should be developed, and those developments stimulated.

Mr. Darling

The recommendations made by the Yorkshire and Humberside Economic Planning Council in its recently published review are being considered.

Mr. Walker

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Would he give it urgent consideration in the light of the growing unemployment in that area, and pay particular attention to the recommendation of the Economic Planning Council which have due regard for the great potential for development in that area?

Mr. Darling

I agree entirely with my hon. Friend about the great growth potential of the area, seeing that my constituency is in it. But we must take into consideration the reports from all the planning councils and put them into a national pattern. That is what we hope to do.

Mr. Alison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the unemployment level in the Yorkshire and Humberside region as a whole has doubled in the last 12 months? Can he tell the House whether any of his hon. Friends—and whether he himself—put this prospectus in their election addresses?

Mr. Darling

I am not aware of the doubling of the unemployment rate throughout the whole of the area. There are pockets here and there where difficulties have occurred, and we are hoping to deal with them.