asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will state the number of firms in the Blyth constituency which made applications for Board of Trade Advisory Committee assistance in the last two years, the number of requests granted, and the number of applications still being dealt with.

During 1962 and 1963 seven applications were received for financial assistance for projects in the Blyth and Seaton Delaval employment exchange areas, which broadly correspond with the development districts in the hon. Mem- ber's constituency. Two of these were later withdrawn. In one of the other five assistance has been offered and two are under consideration.

I am grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary for that reply. What steps are now being taken to point out to industrialists that the development district outside the growth zone is still eligible for aid and that the grants available within the growth zone are also available in the development district of Blyth itself?

This is made clear in our publications, but I will give the further information to the hon. Gentleman that in the six months for which standard grants, as distinct from loans, have been available seven applications have been received for the two employment exchange areas in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and all but one have been approved in principle.