§ 26. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Industry, in view of the facts that job losses in the five boroughs covered by the Dockland Study are running at a rate of about 3 per cent. per annum, which is nearly double the figure for London as a whole, and that unemployment in parts of this area is at a rate higher than the average figure for the development and special development areas, if he will take urgent steps designed to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. HefferI cannot accept the implication in the Question that employment problems in the London docklands are in any way comparable with those in the assisted areas. However, I do recognise that the docklands have special problems like many other inner urban areas, including a decline in manufacturing employment. The Government are now having these studied by the various Departments concerned, and will decide on the appropriate action when the reports are received. In the meantime, in my Department, I will ensure that the difficulties of the docklands are taken fully into account when applications for industrial development certificates for the area are being considered.