HC Deb 19 December 1968 vol 775 cc427-8W
10. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what estimates he has made of the cost to public funds of providing additional employment in development areas over the past year; and if he will initiate a cost-benefit study to assess the advantages of development area public expenditure.

37. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what is his estimate of the cost to public funds of providing additional employment in the development areas during a twelve months' period to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Urwin

Expenditure on promoting development in these areas, including the provision of additional employment, for the current financial year is estimated at about £255 million. The effectiveness of this programme in relation to the cost is kept under constant review.

Mr. Prior

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, what is the cost of Government aid to the development districts.

Mr. Urwin

About £255 million for the current financial year.