HC Deb 09 July 1973 vol 859 cc1002-3
7. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now grant intermediate status to North Staffordshire.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Anthony Grant)

I am not convinced of the need for this. Unemployment is below the national average and falling.

Mr. Ashley

A powerful case can be made for granting intermediate status to North Staffordshire, not on the grounds of unemployment, which should not be the only criterion, but because of the contraction of the main industries there. In the last 10 years the pottery industry has lost 10,000 men and mining 8,500, and now a steelworks may close which will mean the loss of 2,000 jobs. Will the Minister do what he can to stop the rot and bring industrial vitality back to North Staffordshire?

Mr. Grant

Unemployment cannot be disregarded, and neither can the increase in the number of vacancies. The indications are that a substantial fall in unemployment in North Staffordshire and a great increase in vacancies—they are more or less equal at the moment—should take place. North Staffordshire is well placed to absorb the changes which are happening in its basic industries.

Mr. Benn

Will the Minister say whether the decision to grant intermediate status of the kind sought by my hon. Friend lies solely within the competence of the Government, or does it require the assent of the European Commission?

Mr. Grant

As I understand it, the Government are perfectly entitled to make their decision about boundaries.