HC Deb 29 July 1954 vol 531 cc680-1
40. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many people, men and women, were employed in the factories in Sunderland administered by the North Eastern Trading Estates, Limited, on the latest available date.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

On 29th May, 1954, the latest date for which official figures are available, 1,617 men and boys and 2,541 women and girls, making a total of 4,158, were employed in these factories.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these figures show a further decline in the numbers employed in these factories?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Yes, Sir. The decline in employment is due to the cessation of work in the two factories, of which the hon. Member is well aware.

41. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a further statement on the Trading Estate Company factories in Sunderland, at present vacant or not fully used.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I cannot add anything to what was said by my hon. and learned Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the hon. Member during the Adjournment debate on 16th July. If any development occurs of which the hon. Gentleman would wish to know while the House is in recess, I will get in touch with him straight away.

Mr. Willey

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. Do I understand that no decision has yet been taken about the third factory that is in danger of closing?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that is so, but I should like to look into the point.

42. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 250 more women have lost their employment on the Trading Estate at Sunderland; and what action he now proposes to take to promote more employment for women in Sunderland.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I understand that the hon. Member is referring to a factory which, though nearby, is not on the Pallion Trading Estate, and is not owned by the Government. This company hopes to re-engage these women workers in the autumn.

As regards the second part of the Question, I can add nothing to what was said by my hon. and learned Friend during the Adjournment debate on 16th July.