10. Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's special development area policy.
§ Mr. ShoreThe added incentives to industry, including the building of advance factories, are making themselves felt. The number of jobs in prospect in these areas is now some 23,000. Since November, 1967, 28 advance factories have been allocated and a further six bespoke factories have been authorised.
Mr. EvansI thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. Will he bear in mind that there are many areas, including South Wales, where the level of unemployment is still totally unacceptable? Will he press for incentives to be given for bringing in industry, and will he bear in mind that the attitude of hon. Members opposite towards special development areas gives us no encouragement unless the job is done quickly?
§ Mr. ShoreWe are very conscious of the needs of South Wales and, in particular, of those areas of South Wales which are part of special development areas, but I hope that my hon. Friend will agree with me that the figures which I have given to him this afternoon suggest that the policy is having some effect.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that further progress, at least in Scotland, will depend largely on the investment programme of the Steel Corporation, and will he say what part his Department is playing in assessing the regional priorities of the various proposals, in particular the plans for oil terminals and steel works at present before the Corporation?
§ Mr. ShoreThat is a different question, but if the hon. Gentleman would like to know, I am in close touch with the Minister of Power on the regional location of any new units in the steel industry.