§ 16. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to encourage industrial development on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, where unemployment was at a rate of 5.8 per cent. in October 1972, since when the closure has been announced of Pilkington's glass works.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Government's tax incentives will assist development in this area. The Government also recognise that within the non-assisted areas 896 there will be pockets of considerable difficulty and these will be taken into account when considering IDC applications.
§ Mr. MoateI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and for the way in which a deputation was recently received in connection with the high rate of unemployment on the Isle of Sheppey. I ask him to recognise that a rate of 5.8 per cent. is higher than in many assisted areas, and that it is likely to become even higher as a result of the recent closure. There are particular needs, just as with the assisted areas, to replace major industries. Will my right hon. Friend try to find a way of providing short-term specific assistance to such areas?
§ Mr. ChatawayI recognise that the rate of unemployment to which my hon. Friend referred is much too high. It is a full 2 per cent. lower than it was a year ago, but I agree that we have a substantial way to go before we can be satisfied with the situation there.
§ Mr. MartenIs not this an area where the Europeans from the Common Market should be piling in, like the All-Black rugger scrum, to get the take-up of business? That is what we were told. Has something gone wrong?
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. I share the expectations and enthusiasm of my right hon. Friend. I am certain that not only this area but many other areas of Britain will benefit substantially from the entry to which we all look forward.