HC Deb 30 April 1969 vol 782 cc1428-9
33. Mr. James Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial development certificates were applied for and how many were given to firms wishing to build a factory in Hull in the years 1966, 1967 and 1968; and what was the square footage in each year, respectively.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

In the Hull employment exchange area 21 industrial development certificates were issued in 1966, 33 in 1967 and 32 in 1968, for 450,000 sq. ft., 746,000 sq. ft., and 552,000 sq. ft. respectively. No application was refused during this period.

Mr. Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is she aware that these figures could be vastly improved, particularly if the Government implemented the recommendations of the Hunt Committee? Will she take special note of the need for special aid in this area? Is she further aware that even better progress could be made if the Government implemented the findings of the Humberside Study, the Report of which I have with me?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I understand that there is to be a statement about the Humberside Report. I suggest that we await the findings.

Mr. McNamara

Even so, is my hon. Friend aware that the underlying trend in Hull is causing tremendous concern, that the people of the area are looking forward to something constructive being done as a result of the Humberside and Hunt Reports, and that we hope that things will be considerably improved?

Mrs. Dunwoody

A certain amount of discussion is already going on with the authorities in the area about, for example, the boundaries and the findings of the Hunt Committee. We must wait to see what is decided.