HC Deb 04 April 1968 vol 762 c134W
46. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade why industrial development certificates are being withheld in the West Midlands in favour of development areas, in view of the recommendation of the economic planning council for the West Midlands to the contrary; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

In order to meet the Government's distribution of industry policy, including the needs of the development areas, it is sometimes necessary to refuse applications for industrial development certificates in the West Midlands. Many applications are, however, approved and in 1967 certificates were granted for 7.1 million square feet of new industrial building in the West Midlands.