§ 1. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made in his consideration of developing an industrial site at the situation known as Number One, Consett.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Industry (Mr. Bob Cryer)I am glad to say we are proceeding at once to acquire some 90 acres at Consett Number One. Site development work will start as soon as we have possession of the land. The Government have already announced their intention to build two advance factories 1118 at Consett, and these will be built at Number One.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that in that area, where unemployment is consistently double the national average and there are ominous signs for die future, this development is very much to be welcomed? Will he give an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to eliminate any possible inconvenience to people living adjacent to the site?
§ Mr. CryerYes, we are fully aware of and understand the fears of local residents that their amenity will suffer. Due care and extensive landscaping will be undertaken by the English Industrial Estates Corporation. I assure my hon. Friend that everything will be done to render the development as inoffensive as possible to neighbouring residents. In special development areas, advance factories are now available for up to five years free of rent as an inducement to provide the employment that my hon. Friend is talking about.
§ Mr. RadiceWill my hon. Friend say what steps his Department is taking to implement the NEB Report on investment prospects in the Northern Region?
§ Mr. CryerThere is a Question on that subject later on the Order Paper, and I suggest that my hon. Friend waits until then.