Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 6 December 1971.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what surveys he has carried out on the decline of traditional industries in North-West Kent.
No special survey is necessary as the Department keeps in close touch with individual industries both nationally and through the regional offices.
I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Is he aware of local fears that unless new industry is allowed into the area, North-West Kent could increasingly become a dormitory area surrounded by derelict land? Will he give this matter his urgent consideration?
My hon. Friend will be aware that the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry recently met a deputation from Kent, of which my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Trew) was a member. The Under-Secretary found it extremely helpful to have those discussions.