§ 38. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what study he has made of the contribution which small development areas outside the major assisted areas could make to reduce unemployment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieA more localised approach to the problem of regional unemployment was attempted in the early 1960s through the designation of development districts. This policy was modified in the light of experience in 499W 1966 in favour of larger continuous development areas. Regional incentives to promote industry and employment are more effective if they are available within broadly defined areas which are not subject to frequent change. Regional incentives are designed to alleviate long-term structural unemployment rather than unemployment caused by a recession which we are countering with other measures.
The National Enterprise Board will have regard to the needs of areas of high unemployment, whether within or outside the assisted areas.