HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1644-5
41. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firms have applied for and been granted and then taken up industrial development certificates in the Okehampton area of Devon during the year 1966.

Mr. Darling

There were three applications. Two were approved, of which one, so far as we know at the moment, will go ahead.

Mr. Mills

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, unless this area is made a development area, it is no use granting industrial development certificates, as firms cannot afford not to go into an area which is a development area? Unless something is done, the Okehampton area will continue to have unemployment and depopulation.

Mr. Darling

I cannot agree with the the hon. Gentleman's argument. I have discussed this with him. We will certainly give sympathetic consideration to all applications for industrial development certificates suitable for development in that area.