§ Mr. Cantasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will now grant intermediate area status to North Staffordshire.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieNo. As I said in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 1st December—[Official Report, c. 1249]—I accept that some diversification of industry in North Staffordshire is desirable. But unemployment rates in the area remain well below the regional and national averages and we must continue to give priority to areas of greater need.