§ 37. Mr. P. Wellsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for assistance under the Local Employment Act, by firms contemplating removal to the Isle of Sheppey, have been received since Her Majesty's Dockyard closed; how many were approved; what number of jobs was provided; and what is the total sum granted or loaned.
§ Mr. D. PriceBetween April, 1960, when the Local Employment Act came into force, and the 29th June, 1961, when Sheerness was removed from the list of development districts, 25 firms applied for assistance under the Act. This includes nine firms which withdrew82W their applications. A total of £458,500 was offered to four firms for projects which are expected to give rise to over 870 jobs. One offer was declined.