HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2013-5
36. Brigadier Clarke

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the high unemployment figures in Portsmouth, he will grant licences to all outstanding applicants to establish factories for light industry in this district.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

On account of the restrictions on capital investment we cannot support all applications for licences for industrial building, but every application receives careful consideration.

Brigadier Clarke

Though the unemployment problem has decreased slightly since the present Government came to power, it is, nevertheless, very high, so will my right hon. Friend do something to help Portsmouth to get a little more industry?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I have already done quite a lot. Two large industrial companies have recently decided, after discussion with my officials, who brought the possibilities of the Portsmouth area to their attention, to build new factories in that area, and it is hoped that eventually, though not immediately, they may provide employment for 2,000 people. There is only one outstanding application so far as the Board of Trade are concerned, though there are some from other Departments, but, even if they were all approved, it would, I think, involve only a matter of 60 or 70 people.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that in the five years during which the Labour Government were in power there was hardly any unemployment at all either in this constituency or throughout the country? Is not the reason for the rapid increase in unemployment over the last 18 months due to the fact that we have a Tory Government?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think the hon. Gentleman had better consult the hon. and gallant Member for Portsmouth, West (Brigadier Clarke) about the facts.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very generous treatment afforded to Portsmouth by the Labour Government, and can he tell us what the figures of unemployment are today compared with two years ago?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Not without notice, but I would say this. We are all concerned, on whatever side we sit, to do what we can to remedy what has been a serious situation in Portsmouth. I hope that the bringing of these two factories into the area may help to ease the position.

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