§ Mr. Iorwerth Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to implement the recommendation made by the Estimates Committee, which examined the administration of the Local Employment Act, 1960, that management corporations should be given a more positive part to play in encouraging industry to settle in development areas.
§ Mr. JayThe corporations are being given additional powers by the Industrial Development Bill. I believe that these changes will achieve the most efficient division of functions between the Board of Trade and the corporations.
§ Mr. Iorwerth Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken to carry out the recommendation of the Estimates Committee on the administration of the Local Employment Act 1960 that his Department should consult the management corporations and the valuation office about reviewing the procedures on valuation in order to reduce delays.
§ Mr. Douglas JayIn accordance with this recommendation, the Board carried out, in consultation with the Management Corporations and the Valuation Office, a review of the procedures, and as a result certain time-saving modifications were introduced. These procedures are kept under constant review.
§ Mr. Iorwerth Thomasasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken upon the recommendation of the Estimates Committee, which examined the working of the Local Employment Act 1960, that a comprehensive study be made of the Board of Trade Advisory Committee procedures to reduce delays as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. Douglas JayI am doing everything practicable to speed up the procedure. B.O.T.A.C. must, however, consider applications thoroughly; and a good deal of time is often taken by applicants in providing the information needed.