HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 c144W
123. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what action she is taking to bring the employment position in the Portsmouth area now and in the future into line with that of the South-East as a whole.

Mr. Fernyhough

The Government's primary aim must continue to be the encouragement of economic growth in the development areas but the needs of places like Portsmouth where unemployment is higher than the regional average are not overlooked. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade in considering possible industrial expansion takes fully into account the level of local unemployment.