§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why, in view of its dependence on traditional industries such as glass, coal and chemicals, the St. Helens metropolitan district does not qualify for assisted area status;
(2) pursuant to the answer of 5 July, Official Report, c. 58, what, for the purposes of assessing eligibility for assisted area status, is the ratio between employment and unemployment in the St. Helens metropolitan district.
§ Mr. TrippierI will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.