HC Deb 25 February 1970 vol 796 c349W
98. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Technology how many industrial development certificates have been applied for by companies wishing to establish works or other premises in the city of Lichfield; and, for the total square footage, how many have been agreed and for what total square footage, during the last two years.

Mr. Varley

In the years 1968 and 1969, 12 industrial development certificates were issued in the Lichfield employment exchange area for a total area of 189,000 sq. ft. 6 of these for 89,000 sq. ft. were issued to firms new to the the area. In the same period, 2 applications were refused.

99. Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Technology what is his policy in the matter of granting industrial development certificates for the city of Lichfield, in the light of new areas within the jurisdiction of the city now available for industrialisation, the need to provide employment for the increased population resulting from overspill arrivals and natural growth and the need to discourage commuting to Birmingham where possible.

Mr. Varley

We are prepared to approve applications for industrial development certificates for the modest expansion of local firms and for firms moving to Lichfield from the West Midlands conurbation under the overspill arrangements, if the projects concerned could not reasonably be expected to go to a development or intermediate area.