§ 19. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many applications for industrial development in the North-East have been approved during the quarter ended 30th September as compared with the previous quarters of this year; and if he will make a statement on the prospects for industrial development in the North-East.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieIndustrial development certificates have not been required in northern England since July 1972 when development and special development areas were excluded from the operation of the IDC control. Offers of selective financial assistance under the Industry Act 1972 in the first three quarters of 1974 in chronological order were 35, 32 and 28 and were expected to provide 3,018, 2,070 and 2,633 jobs respectively.
The measures announced in the Gracious Speech for the regeneration of British industry will improve the prospects of industrial development in the North-East.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs my hon. Friend aware of the anxiety in the North-East about the way in which the numbers of inquiries about industrial developments have been running down, particularly in the past few months? Will he note particularly that there have been heavy redundancies in the South Tyneside area, and will he help in getting ahead with the reclamation of a big industrial site on Tyneside?
§ Mr. MackenzieWe have always been very concerned about industry in the North-East. I think my hon. Friend knows that my first visit was to the North-East, and he can be assured that anything that the Department can do to help will certainly be done.