HC Deb 05 April 1971 vol 815 c23
23. Mr. Roger White

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to assist the declining industries on Thamesside.

Sir J. Eden

Circumstances do not appear to justify any special plans for Thamesside, but industry generally will benefit from the measures announced in the Budget.

Mr. White

Is my hon. Friend aware that like other areas outside the development areas, where pockets of unemployment have occurred, Thamesside has been neglected for some years? Will he take that fact into account when looking at areas for special consideration?

Sir J. Eden

As my hon. Friend knows, Thamesside is in the G.L.C. travel-to-work area, for which the unemployment rate is 1.5 per cent., and we must give priority to areas with a greater degree of persistent unemployment.