HC Deb 20 November 1967 vol 754 cc249-50W
Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to reduce the dependence of the city of Bradford upon the textile industry by encouraging new industries to come to the city.

Mr. Darling

The growth of other manufacturing industries and of the service trades in the area has already lessened the dependence of Bradford on the textile industry. Moreover, of the 55 industrial development certificates for 1.3 million sq. ft. issued for the Bradford area since the beginning of 1964, 45 for 1.0 million sq. ft. were for industries other than textiles. The development areas must still have priority, but we will continue to take account of the needs of the area in considering applications for industrial development certificates in Bradford.

Mr. Edward Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial development certificates have been granted in the city of Bradford in each of the past five years; and whether he envisages any increase in the numbers granted.

Mr. Darling

The numbers of industrial development certificates granted in the Bradford Employment Exchange Area which covers Bradford C.B., and parts of Queensbury and Shelf U.D.C. and Bingley U.D.C. in each if the past five years were

Number Area Thousand square feet
1962 8 127
1963 16 334
1964 16 341
1965 10 365
1966 14 337
1967 (January—september) 15 246

While we will continue to take into account the needs of the area when considering applications for industrial development certificates for Bradford it is impossible to forecast whether this will lead to a rise in the number of applications granted.