§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in view of the present level of unemployment in the West Midlands area, he will abolish all IDC controls until the rate of unemployment has fallen to a more reasonable level.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieIDC applications are decided with full regard to the circumstances and plans of individual firms and the needs and resources of the locations concerned, particularly the current and expected labour situation. They continue to have an important part to play in the Government's regional policy, and a temporary suspension of the control in response to the present unemployment situation in the non assisted areas would not be justified.