asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what requests for assistance have been made to his Department recently by firms wishing to move to the Trading Estate in Sunderland; and with what results.

There has been one such application to the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee. It is still under consideration, and I cannot anticipate the recommendation of the Committee.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the need for a sense of urgency in this matter, as I believe the firm which applied to the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee is in fact a clothing firm which can take over labour released from the previous factory?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the urgency, and the hon. Member's Question brings it further to my attention.