§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what action is being taken to replace the 52,000 jobs lost on Merseyside between mid-1967 and 1973;
(2) if, in view of the net loss of 52,000 jobs in the main industry groups on Merseyside between mid-1967 and mid-1973, he will take specific action to stimulate investment in the area.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieMerseyside was granted special development area status in August 1974, which means that the full range of regional incentives is available for new projects. The area is also benefiting considerably from the Government's advance factory programme; 250,000 sq. ft. of factory space is due to be constructed on Merseyside over the next two years in programmes already announced and the Department has made substantial land purchases for future development. In addition, the regional employment premium was doubled last year and the industrial development certificate control tightened outside the assisted areas. Merseyside will also receive some 3,500 jobs from the Government's dispersal plans. When the National Enterprise Board and planning agreements system come into operation, we shall be able to do still more to help.