HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1098-9
9. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is being done to provide light industry in the area covered by the Easington Rural District Council, in the county of Durham, including the new town of Peterlee.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I share the right hon. Member's desire to see some light industry introduced into this area, and I am actively trying to provide sufficient opportunities of employment here as in other parts of the North-Eastern Development Area.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the right hon. Gentleman account for the fact that in other parts of County Durham light industry has been established whereas nothing has been done in this area?

Mr. Thorneycroft

We are prepared to consider suitable applications for building publicly financed factories in the district. Consideration of some suggestions of that kind is being given at the present time.

Mr. Shinwell

I do not want to exert any undue pressure upon the right hon. Gentleman, but would he be able to give me a more favourable answer in, say, a month's time?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The right hon. Gentleman can always try.

Mr. Willey

In view of the exceptional circumstances at Peterlee, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the building of an advance factory there?

Mr. Thorneycroft

All these cases are under constant consideration.

Captain Pilkington

Has there not been inadequate Parliamentary representation?

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to his hon. and gallant Friend that he should resign his seat and come up to my constituency and fight there?