HC Deb 28 January 1981 vol 997 c457W
Dr. Gilbert

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of new jobs that will be created by the proposed setting up of an enterprise zone in Dudley; and on what basis he arrives at this estimate.

Mr. King

It is not practicable at this stage to predict the number of jobs that will be created.

Dr. Gilbert

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of jobs that will be lost by existing firms in the Dudley travel-to-work area as a result of any loss of competitiveness in relation to new and existing firms in the proposed Dudley enterprise zone, and the loss of bankable value in their land and other assets consequent upon the setting up of the zone.

Mr. King

It is not practicable at this stage to make estimates of this kind. In my view the tax and rating concessions available within the zone, as well as the relaxation of controls, will stimulate new activity and bring significant net benefits to Dudley.