§ 32. Mr. HERRIOTTSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the industrial survey of the North-East Coast has been undertaken; if so, whether any report has been made to his Department; and will he instruct those persons responsible for this survey to specially consider the possibility of starting new industries in the distressed mining areas of the south and west of Durham county?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe industrial surveys of this and other areas have been commenced, but in view of the large amount of statistical and other material to be examined some months must elapse before the results can be expected. As regards the last part of the question, the object of these inquiries is to present a survey of the present industrial position of the areas and of the prospects of early expansion and new development.
§ Mr. BATEYAre we to understand that these surveys by the universities do not take into account the starting of new businesses in distressed mining areas?
§ Mr. GRAHAMOh, no, that would be a serious error. They survey the whole industrial position, and part of the inquiry-is to see what new industries can be established.
§ Mr. BATEYCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what will be the use of these surveys to the mining classes?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI should hope that in due course they will be useful in suggesting new industries to replace other industries.