§ 27. Mr. A. Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he makes to gain early information on the closure of pits in mining areas with a view to attracting new industries into those areas.
§ Mr. D. PriceMy right hon. Friend's Department is notified by the Ministry of Power at the earliest possible moment when a decision has been taken to close a pit in any area. Many colliery areas are already in development districts, but if it appears likely that a particular closure in some other area will result in high and persistent unemployment in the area concerned, appropriate steps can then be taken under the Local Employment Act to encourage new industrial development there.