HC Deb 09 May 1973 vol 856 c145W
Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further consideration has he given to designating Newport, Monmouthshire as a development area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Since unemployment in the Newport travel-to-work area has fallen by a quarter since the Government's new regional measures were announced and since the number of unfilled vacancies notified to the Department of Employment was higher last month than for any corresponding month since 1966, I am not convinced of the case for a change in Newport's status as an intermediate area.