§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is aware that between 1961 and 1974 London has lost some 500,000 manufacturing jobs, a rate of loss seven times that of the national average, and during 1976 the figure had risen to 550,000; and what action he has taken or intends taking to deal with this situation.
§ Mr. CryerBetween 1961 and 1974 the numbers employed in manufacturing industry in the Greater London Area fell by 500,000 and in addition its population also fell by almost 819,000.
London as elsewhere is benefiting from the measures introduced by the Government to encourage investment in manufacturing industry and to promote employment. Moreover, the Government's inner city policy will encourage suitable industrial development in certain parts of London with particularly serious problems.