HC Deb 11 June 1973 vol 857 cc979-80
15. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial grant has been given to industries to move out of the Greater London Council area in each of the last five years.

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

I regret that this information could not be provided without disproportionate effort.

Mr. Cox

Is not the Minister aware that this information is of great importance to London? In view of the vast sums of public money that have been given to industry to move out, we should have these figures. Is he aware of today's report by the London Chamber of Commerce which expresses deep concern at the continued loss of employment in the London area? Can he say what discussions he is having with the GLC and the London boroughs in an attempt to rectify this? Will he say what surveys his Department carries out when grants are given? Is he aware that there is a growing feeling in London that grants encouraging industry to move out have become a racket, a deliberate attempt by firms to get these grants with no concern for the areas they are leaving or those into which they are moving? What work is being done on this?

Mr. Grant

The view which the hon. Gentleman has just expressed is one which will not be shared by those of his hon. Friends representing assisted areas. The purpose of our policy is to get firms to locate in areas of high unemployment away from places where there is congestion. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industrial Development has agreed to meet a delegation from the GLC and the London Boroughs Association. That meeting will take place shortly. We must have a sense of perspective about this. The unemployment rate in London is almost half the national average. Another 7,000 vacancies were announced this month and there are over 73,000 vacancies at present.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not a fact that there is a steady diminution in employment opportunities in the London area and that London is becoming a distress area and will have to be treated in exactly the same way as other distress areas in other parts of the country?

Mr. Grant

I can only say that, if the hon. Gentleman believes that, he will believe anything.