asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make additional finance available, consequent on the proposed closure of the Shildon wagon works, to provide for a rapid development of new industrial sites and factories in the town.

The consequences for the spending needs of authorities in the area which might arise if the proposed closure were to go ahead cannot yet be accurately assessed; but any such consequences would be considered alongside other needs in determining future levels of permitted expenditure and of central Government support.