HC Deb 01 July 1952 vol 503 cc229-30
27. Mr. Burke

asked the Minister of Labour by reference to the unemployment figures for North-East Lancashire, what has been the effect of the Government orders for cotton textiles placed in that area.

Sir W. Monckton

It is too early yet to see the effect of these contracts on the unemployment position in North-East Lancashire.

Mr. Burke

Is it not a fact that the unemployment figure has remained at a very high level for many months past, and is it not now clear that business in the textile industry is not sufficient to meet the unemployment in the area? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman ask his colleagues to consider some diversification of industry there?

Sir W. Monckton

The Question I was asked was about the effect of Government orders in that area, and all I can say now is that it is not possible until the end of this month to form a fair assessment because work on some has not yet begun.