§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what study he has made of the industrial needs of high-unemployment population-growth areas like the Cannock Chase on the borders of major conurbations; if he will take steps to stimulate industrial development in these areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Mitchell:Industry in Cannock Chase or elsewhere in the country
NEW SHIPBUILDING ORDERS IN THOUSAND GROSS COMPENSATED TONS (AS REPORTED TO THE OECD) January—June 1979 July—December 1979 January—June 1980 Germany … … … 340 663 243 Belgium … … … 113 90 63 Denmark … … … 116 296 92 France … … … 76 275 176 Ireland … … … 17 — — Italy … … … — 61 51 Netherlands … … … 71 209 185 United Kingdom … … … 157 149 295 Spain … … … 263 514 335 Finland … … … 487 209 174 Norway … … … 161 232 286 Sweden … … … 196 193 126 Japan … … … 1,789 2,991 3,708