§ Mr. Pentlandasked the President of the Board of Trade why the Chester-le-Street constituency area has been excluded from the list of development districts; and, in view of the increasing unemployment rate, and the dependence of the area on the coal mining industry, what action he proposes to take to induce new industries to the area.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe two employment exchange areas which form the Chester-le-Street constituency are not on the initial list of development districts because, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, they are not localities in which a persistently high rate of unemployment exists or is expected. Projects to be located in Chester-le-Street could, however, be considered for assistance under the Bill if they would provide employment for workers living in a development district.