asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in accordance with the Local Employment Act 1972 and the Industry Act 1972, he will now make by order North Norfolk an area eligible for regional assistance, in the light of the fact that the unemployment rate in North Norfolk is 8·4 per cent.

I do not consider that we would be justified in making North Norfolk an assisted area. The world recession has resulted in high unemployment in many parts of the country which the Government are taking special measures to relieve.