HC Deb 08 July 1937 vol 326 cc530-2
4. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Labour how many workpeople are now employed in the factories on the Team Valley trading estate, and the nature of their occupations?

Mr. Butler

I am making inquiries and will let the hon. Member know the result.

6. Mr. Sexton

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed from each of the following Employment Exchanges, namely, Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Spennymore, Crook, Stanhope, Cockfield, and Middleton-in-Teesdale, who have obtained employment at the Team Valley Trading Estate?

Mr. Butler

The vacancies which have occurred on this estate up to the present are on constructional work and necessarily of a temporary nature, and they have been offered only to persons living within daily travelling distance. The hon. Member will therefore appreciate that no workpeople from the areas mentioned, the nearest of which is 25 miles from the estate, have so far been placed there.

Mr. Sexton

As the Commission on Palestine have recommended £2,000,000 for Transjordania, will the hon. Gentleman also recommend £2,000,000 for Transjordania in Durham?

Mr. Butler

We are aware of the position in South-West Durham, and I am sure that the Commissioner will take all possible steps to give every opportunity for work-people to find work in this area.

Mr. Sexton

Recognising that this is a trading estate, is it not folly not to use it for providing employment in South-West Durham, and will the hon. Gentleman represent to the Commissioner the desirability of getting a trading estate or at any rate a number of separate factories in South-West Durham, where unemployment is so acute?

Mr. Butler

I am sure the Commissioner is aware of the special needs of South-West Durham, but at the present time only work of a preliminary constructional nature can be undertaken.

Mr. Lawson

Is the Commissioner giving any attention at all to South-West Durham?

Mr. Butler

Yes.

Mr. Shinwell

Who is responsible for the employment of these men? Is it the contractor who is responsible for the constructional work or those who are responsible for the administration of the trading estate?

Mr. Butler

I think the latter is the case, but I should like to investigate it and let the hon. Gentleman know.

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