§ Mr. Armstrongasked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent he is prepared to modify the growth zone policy pursued in the past in West Durham; and what financial assistance he proposes to give to the area.
§ Mr. DarlingThe whole of West Durham, excepting Barnard Castle Urban District and parts of Barnard Castle Rural District, is a development district where the full benefits of the Local Employment Acts and Finance Act 1963 are available, as they are in the growth zone, to new and expanding industry.
§ Mr. Armstrongasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for industrial development in the West Durham area have been received by his Department during the past 12 months; and what assistance has been given.
§ Mr. DarlingTwenty-one applications for i.d.c.s were received in the West Durham area during the 12 months ended 28th February, 1965. During the same period just over£237,000 of financial assistance was offered for 25 projects.
§ Mr. Armstrongasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new jobs are in prospect in West Durham; and what is his estimate of the future level of employment in that area.
§ Mr. DarlingThere are estimated to be 7,000 jobs in prospect from new industrial developments planned for West Durham. The future level of employment depends on many factors; in particular, on the extent to which new industry is attracted to the area.