HC Deb 29 January 1953 vol 510 cc1188-90
46. Mr. J. T. Price

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that unemployment at Hindley and Aspull, in the South Lancashire Development Area, is greatly in excess of the national average, having reached 8.7 per cent. and 10.4 per cent., respectively, in the month of December, 1952; and if he will use his powers under the Distribution of Industry Act to build Government-sponsored factories for rental in these districts.

Mr. H. Strauss

I am aware— [Interruption.]

Mr. Pannell

On a point of order. Arising from the clapping in the Gallery, Mr. Speaker, your predecessor once had occasion to warn people who made demonstrations from the Gallery. May I ask you to repeat those observations now —that you will restrain people in the Gallery, particularly in the front rows and the relatives of Members, from indulging in demonstrations.

Mr. Speaker

It is quite out of order for any demonstration to take place in the Gallery.

Mr. H. Strauss

The answer to the Question of the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. J. T. Price) is: I am aware that there were 312 persons wholly unemployed and 169 persons temporarily unemployed in these towns in December, 1952. The industrial estate established under the Distribution of Industry Acts at Lamberhead, in the Wigan district, of which these two towns form part, is not yet fully developed and accordingly there is no question at present of developing additional sites in the vicinity. Any application for the erection of a factory on this estate would be carefully considered.

Mr. Price

I am much obliged to the hon. and learned Gentleman, but does he recognise that the towns which I have mentioned have a long history of some of the most bitter unemployment in this country and that when the inhabitants of Hindley and Aspull see the figures mounting to those which I have mentioned, they become apprehensive that they are on the slide again to those conditions?

Mr. Strauss

I certainly appreciate what prompted the hon. Gentleman to put the Question down, but he will agree that I answered the Question on the Paper.

Mr. Osborne

On a point of order. May I seek your guidance, Sir, on a matter which affects all Private Members? What remedy have Private Members who have put down Questions when something like 10 minutes is taken over one Question? Nearly 10 minutes were taken over one Question, and your patience, Mr. Speaker, was taxed to the limit. The Questions which follow are equally important.

Mr. Speaker

There is no remedy in such a situation, except the good sense of hon. Members.