HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc33-4W
99. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what new industries were established and were in operation in the Northern Region in 1966 and 1967; what are the numbers of men and women in permanent employment; what industries he plans to establish in 1968; and what are the numbers of men and women to be employed therein.

Mr. Darling

I have been asked to reply.

The total insured population of the Northern Region in 1966 was 1,334,841.

In 1966 and the first six months of 1967 (the latest period for which figures are available) 231 schemes for which industrial development certificates had been issued for a total of 6.9 million sq. ft., were completed in the Northern Region. These schemes covered a wide range of industry. When fully manned they are estimated by the applicants to provide additional employment for 15,420 men and 6,140 women. In 1966 and 1967 a total of 464 industrial development certificates were issued for 15.7 million sq. ft. in the Northern Region. Many of these schemes will come into operation in 1968. When complete and fully manned they are estimated by the applicants to provide jobs for 26,510 men and 9,170 women. Industrial development certificates are, of course, issued freely in the Northern Region, but I cannot forecast what applications will come forward for approval this year.