§ 2. Mr. Charles Greyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the growing number of unemployed in the employment exchange areas of Durham City, Spennymoor and Houghton-le-Spring; and what action he intends to take to remedy this position.
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir. Much of the recent increase in unemployment here is due to the general decline in demand for clothing and hosiery. This is part of the North-Eastern Development Area, and we are continuing the policy of encouraging the provision of employment in such areas.
§ Mr. GreyIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the number of unemployed in these areas has risen by leaps and bounds during the past seven months? Is he aware of the general impression in these areas that they are sliding back to days which are best forgotten? Will he give the House an assurance that he has no intention of allowing these areas to become distressed again and, if he will, what plans has he in mind to maintain full employment there?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI cannot give undertakings at this stage, but I can say this about the areas to which the Question relates: I have hopes that the labour force in Durham City, Spennymoor and Houghton-le-Spring will be required in the near future.
§ Sir W. MoncktonCertainly not.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, as in 1931, the inevitable result of a period of Socialist misgovernment is that unemployment is certain to increase—[HON. MEMBERS: "Full employment."]—until the application of Conservative principles has time to restore confidence?