§ 38. Mr. Blakerasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he will initiate a study of the employment needs of the Fylde area.
§ Mr. ShoreThe North West Economic Planning Board and Council are already examining the economic problems, including the employment needs, of the North West Region and of each of its subdivisions, including the Fylde.
§ Mr. BlakerWhile I thank the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there is at Squire's Gate a building with an area of 1 million sq. ft. which has been unused for some time, while several thousand people are obliged to travel very long distances from their homes to find jobs? Will he ensure that these factors are taken into account in this study?
§ Mr. ShoreIt is very much Government policy to encourage office employment in this area. The study, to which my right hon. Friend the First Secretary has previously referred, is basically a statistical study of particular unemployment groups in the Fylde area.
§ Mr. ShoreI cannot give a date at the moment, but I shall look into it and write to let the hon. Gentleman have what information we have.