§ 10. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the inquest on Mr. S. Robinson, age 36, of Castle Hill, Hindley, Wigan, who committed suicide after being unemployed for seven years continuously, at which the coroner expressed surprise that a man should have been out of work for so long a period, although this is quite common in Hindley; and will he take steps to induce the Lancashire Industrial Development Company to start new industries in this township, and thereby assist to obviate this state of things?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe Government does not accept responsibility for the management of the Lancashire Industrial Sites 2590 Company, Limited, but I can assure the hon. Member that the company is aware of the desirability of attracting new industrial undertakings which will provide employment for persons resident in Hindley. I propose to take the opportunity of reminding the company of the situation in the area. As the hon. Member is aware, everything possible has been done to draw the attention of the Defence Departments, and of firms wishing to establish new industries, to the opportunities afforded by this area, and my Department will continue to do this.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this coroner, who lives about 20 miles from Hindley, was astonished that a person should have been unemployed for seven years. Is he not aware that there are hundreds if not thousands of these cases in the Wigan coal area?
§ Mr. BrownI am well aware of that, and that is why we have made continuous efforts in the matter and shall continue to do so.
§ Sir Joseph NallMay I ask why no effort is made to employ these miners at Chorley?
§ Mr. BrownI gave an answer some time ago which showed that some of them have found employment there.