HC Deb 06 March 1946 vol 420 cc77-8W
112. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what considerations an area is scheduled as a development area.

Mr. Belcher

Under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, we have to consider whether there is likely to be a special danger of unemployment in the area. The factors governing a decision to schedule cannot be fully dealt with in reply to a Question, but, in brief, the main considerations are—the prewar industrial situation in the locality, the present situation in comparison with other parts of the country, the extent and nature of industries already in the area, the developments which are expected to take place in the near future and whether scheduling as a development area would be likely to result in additional employment being made available.