HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 cc1129-30
25 and 26. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Technology (1) what steps he proposes to take to attract employers to North-East Kent;

(2) if he will consider making North-East Kent a development area for a limited period.

62. Mr. Peter Rees

asked the Minister of Technology if he will consider making East Kent a development area.

Mr. Ridley

Whilst we are aware that the rate of unemployment in certain coastal towns in North-East Kent is relatively high, we are not convinced that development area incentives would be justified. The industrial development certificate control will be operated flexibly in this area and suitable new projects will be approved.

Mr. Crouch

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for saying that new ideas will be considered. Will he bear in mind that the rate of unemployment in North-East Kent has been 6.5 per cent. for the last two years, and that there is a great deal of frustration and depression amongst the 11,500 people who have been continuously unemployed during that period?

Mr. Ridley

We inherited a worrying situation in this part of Kent, and also a shortage of mobile industry. I think my hon. Friend will agree that we should steer the bulk of the mobile industry to development areas, although we shall operate the industrial development certificate control as flexibly as we can in this area so as to help wherever possible.

Mr. Rees

In view of the grudging way in which under the previous Administration industrial development certificates have been granted in this area, what criteria will the Minister apply in considering applications from East Kent?

Mr. Ridley

Wherever there is an existing company which wants to expand, or a company which has close ties with the area and is by no means mobile, we shall make certain that an industrial development certificate is granted.