§ Mr. McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will now grant development areas status to the Wigan travel-to-work area, in view of the fact that there are 90 areas, with a lower rate of unemployment, which receive either special development or development area assistance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantWigan received Intermediate Area status in March 1972. Since then male unemployment has fallen by a quarter and the number of unfilled vacancies for men has trebled. In these circumstances I am not convinced of the case for granting Development Area status.