§ 8. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of Labour what action he is taking to review the future employment position in Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe effect of recent redundancies and defence cuts on the future employment position in Portsmouth cannot yet be fully assessed. Since the war, Portsmouth has been markedly successful in attracting more diversified industry, and there is every reason to suppose that the Greater Portsmouth Area will continue to attract further industrial development.
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, in considering applications for industrial development certificates, takes fully into account the level of unemployment in the area.
§ Mr. JuddWould not my hon. Friend agree that the recent changes in Government defence policy and the recent closure of Hawker Siddeley in the area show that there is still too great a dependence on the defence industry? Can he give encouragement to alternative industry in Portsmouth?
§ Mr. FernyhoughThat encouragement is given in the sense that, even though Portsmouth is not a development area, the Board of Trade gives industrial development certificates when they are sought.