HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2595-6
13. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the estimated loss of people from the county of

Numbers of unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of Employment Exchanges which serve the Special Areas.
— 26th November, 1934. 10th July, 1939. Decrease.
Number. Per cent.
Durham and Tyneside … … 176,862 90,753 86, 109 48.7
West Cumberland … 13,530 7,594 5,936 43.9
South Wales and Monmouthshire 157,174 76,158 81,016 51.5
South-West Scotland … … 94,360 51,688 42,672 45.2
Total … … 441,926 226,193 215,733 48.8
37. Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Labour particulars as to the age distribution of men unemployed in each of the Durham by emigration from 1931 to mid-1938, the latest date for which an estimate is obtainable, was 76,000; and whether there is any hope of new industries being established to prevent this constant drain of young people from the county?

Mr. E. Brown

I am aware that there has been considerable migration from this area, but would remind the hon. Member of the large number of new industrial undertakings which have been established in Durham with assistance in one form or another under the Special Areas Acts.

Mr. Leslie

Is the Minister aware that factories are still being erected in the London area, and will he use his influence to see that some of the factories are diverted to Durham?

Mr. Brown

No doubt that matter will be dealt with in the Debate to-day.