§ 46. Mr. Varleyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will state the number of industrial development certificates issued in the Chesterfield employment exchange area during the months of January and February, 1971; and how many jobs are expected to arise upon the completion of the projects.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo industrial development certificates were issued in the Chesterfield Employment Exchange Area in January, 1971. Three were issued in February, 1971, which the applicants for the certificates estimate will provide additional employment for 80 when completed and fully manned.
§ Mr. VarleyDoes not the situation reflect a serious and deteriorating position in Chesterfield? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, over the last few weeks, 230 men have been sacked while 1,800 are on short-time working? Will he undertake in my Adjournment debate next Wednesday to grant intermediate area status to Chesterfield?
§ Mr. GrantWe had better wait and hear what the hon. Gentleman has to say in the debate on Wednesday. But I can tell him that 80 jobs are in prospect as a result of industrial development certificates this month, which compares favourably with the 50 jobs following I.D.C.s in January and February, 1969, and with the 60 in 1970. Generally the prospects of the area are good and Chesterfield offers an attractive location for industry.