§ Q14. Mr. Leadbitterasked the Prime Minister what further proposals he has to reduce the levels of unemployment in the special areas to a point compatible with a policy of full employment where the Government's policies and financial incentives to attract new industries do not succeed in fulfilling the regional requirements.
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§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has recently announced substantial new measures of assistance to the special development areas affected by colliery closures. New industrial estates are to be built, and additional grants are to be available under the Local Employment Act, 1960, to companies bringing new investment projects into these areas. We have also made it clear that we are prepared to make extra funds available for improving the infra-structure of these areas, and studies are being put in hand to see how these funds could best be spent.