asked the Secretary of State for Industry what changes have taken place in the output of synthetic fibres since 1977 in the United Kingdom and in Italy.

The following is the information.

The Government are naturally concerned about the level of unemployment in South Yorkshire, as elsewhere. Nevertheless, the present circumstances in the Sheffield travel-to-work area relative to other areas of the country do not suggest that the decision to withdraw intermediate area status after 31 July is unjustified.