asked the Secretary of State for Industry what action he is taking to increase opportunities for industry in the London area.

I recognise that there are particular employment difficulties in some parts of London, mainly in the inner boroughs. These are being closely studied by various Departments.The needs of industry in these areas and in London generally are taken into account when applications for industrial development certificates are considered and in practice a high proportion are approved. My hon. Friend will appreciate, however, that the Government's regional policies must continue to give priority to the longstanding problems of high unemployment in the assisted areas.