§ 72. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factories have been built in Stoke-on-Trent since January, 1946; how many are in the process of being built or are planned; and how many new industries have been established.
§ Mr. J. EdwardsSince January, 1946, 39 new factories and extensions of 5,000 sq. ft. and over have been completed in Stoke-on-Trent, 44 more are under construction and a further 28 are planned. Among the industries newly 1910 established in Stoke-on-Trent in new factories, in existing premises and in surplus Government factories are the manufacture of electric cookers, upholstery fabric, rubber toys, agricultural machinery and implements, women's clothing and cardboard boxes.
§ Dr. StrossWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his very reassuring answer, may I ask him if he will take every opportunity tomorrow when he himself goes to Stoke-on-Trent to examine the area and the industries that exist there; and may we have an assurance from him that he will be sensitive to the fact that in an area where there is one great staple industry there is the risk of possible unemployment in the future?