asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report in the media (details supplied) that the majority of new industrial jobs in France between 1976 and 1985 were in rural areas; and if so, if he will give his views on the reason a better percentage of new industrial jobs in this country do not go to rural areas.
Written Answers. - Rural Industrial Employment.
88.
I have noted the report to which the Deputy refers and I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that, based on a statistical analysis undertaken by the Authority, 62 per cent of all industrial jobs in the period 1976-1985 arose outside of the major industrial areas. This compares with 52 per cent of new industrial jobs which arose in rural areas in France over the same period.