§ Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the assisted area status of Winsford Urban District.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe White Paper on Industrial and Regional Development (Cmnd. 4942) explained that the town of Winsford, which had hitherto been treated as a detached part of the Mersey-side development area, would form part of the new North-West intermediate area250W but that regional employment premium would continue to be paid there for the time being. The Intermediate Areas and Derelict Land Clearance Areas Order, 1972 (S.I. 1972/421) included Winsford as part of the new North-West intermediate area with effect from 22nd March.
It had always been our intention that the urban district part of Winsford should continue to receive full development area treatment until 2nd May this year with R.E.P. continuing thereafter. I am, however, now advised that S.I. 1972/421 had the effect of making it no longer possible to treat the urban district as if it were a development area in the period between 22nd March and 2nd May.
Accordingly an order is being laid today to exclude the urban district of Winsford from the North-West intermediate area for the period from now until 2nd May. Notice is being given pursuant to section 1(5) of the Local Employment Act, 1972, that Winsford Urban District will be treated as if it were a development area in that period. It is proposed in forthcoming legislation to provide that the urban district shall also be treated as a development area during the period between 22nd March and today, notwithstanding its inclusion as part of the North-West intermediate area during that period.