31. Mr. Slaterasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the intentions of Imperial Chemical Industries with regard to the future of their plant at Billingham, and of the effect their current development plans will have on the industrial structure of Tees-side; and what action he is taking in this matter.
§ 32. Mr. W. T. Rodgersasked the President of the Board of Trade what longterm provision he intends to make for new, permanent jobs on the north bank of the Tees, designed specifically to replace the anticipated reduction of employment in the chemical industry there.
§ Mr. D. PriceI.C.I. have kept my right hon. Friend informed of the expected reduction in their labour force at Billing-ham. It is not yet possible to say whether the reduction will be wholly met by normal wastage. While he cannot provide new jobs specifically to offset a rundown in a particular firm, my right hon. Friend will continue to use his powers under the Local Employment Act to encourage industrial development on Tees-side.