asked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he proposes to take in connection with the provision of alternative employment for the 350 people shortly to lose their jobs in North Shields due to the closure of the Spillers factory.

I have been asked to reply.As North Shields forms part of the North East Special Development Area the full range of regional incentives at the highest rates is on offer to firms moving or expanding there. The Department of Industry gives North Shields high priority in its steering of investment to places which most need new employment.