75. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is serious concern in Durham County owing to the large increase in the number of persons unemployed in the 1555 county generally; and what measures he is prepared to adopt to meet the situation?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)I regret that there has been a further increase in the number of unemployed in this area. The general problem of unemployment is receiving the close attention of His Majesty's Government, but, as I pointed out in my reply to the hon. Member on 8th December last, employment in Durham County is very largely governed by the position of the coal trade.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer I received in December really meant nothing as far as the solution of the problem is concerned? Can he say whether or not the Government have a plan to meet the situation? Up to now they have done practically nothing.
§ Mr. BrownI cannot agree with that. It would take me a long time to state all that has been done, and perhaps the House will accord me that time on Thursday.