HC Deb 19 July 1984 vol 64 cc275-6W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria govern the provision of travel-to-work areas in the current review.

Mr. Alan Clark

The review has been carried out using ward-based data on travel-to-work patterns, obtained from the 1981 census of population. The main criteria for the definition of travel-to-work areas are that a high proportion of the employed population living in the area also work there and a high proportion of those working in the area also live there.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will explain the rationale for the two proposed travel-to-work areas which are nearest to Trafford park, Manchester;

(2) if he will review the proposal to split Trafford park, Manchester, between two separate travel-to-work areas;

(3) if he will make a statement on the proposal to divide Trafford park between two travel-to-work areas.

Mr. Alan Clark

The draft revised travel-to-work areas map split Trafford park between two areas. The final map, prepared in the light of local comments, while maintaining the statistical basis of the review, includes the whole of Trafford park in one travel-to-work area based on Manchester.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consult local bodies other than local authorities in the drawing up of new travel-to-work areas.

Mr. Alan Clark

In finalising the new travel-to-work area boundaries comments submitted both by local authorities and by other bodies have, where appropriate, been taken into account. The review of travel-to-work areas was primarily a statistical exercise to revise the areas using data about travel-to-work patterns obtained from the 1981 census of population.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent the current review of travel-to-work areas will affect the drawing up of boundaries for assisted areas.

Mr. Alan Clark

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry on 22 June, at column 265.