§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if his Department has undertaken studies to assess the impact of large retail superstore developments in terms of (a) changes in consumer spending in a locality and (b) changes in employment in existing smaller retail outlets in a locality; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether his Department has undertaken studies to compile statistical evidence concerning the employment creation potential of large retail superstore developments in (a) inner city locations, and (b) out of town or suburban locations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyNo Departmental studies relating to the impact of large retail developments have been published since 1978; but a number of useful studies on impact and employment implications have been carried out by outside organisations and individuals.