§ 91. Mr. Boardmanasked the President of the Board of Trade in view of the proposals to close Mosley Common Colliery and Bedford Colliery in October and thereby rendering approximately 3,500 men jobless in addition to those who have suffered through progressive mill closures in the Leigh area, if he will now grant development area status to the towns of Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley.
§ Mr. DarlingI am informed that no final decision has yet been taken to close these collieries in October. We are already operating a liberal i.d.c. policy in the area and I do not consider designation at a development area would be justified.