HC Deb 04 May 1954 vol 527 cc173-4
4. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the need for light industries to be developed in Goole; and whether he will encourage industrialists to establish them there.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am aware that some further industrial employment would be welcomed in the Goole area, but there is, as the hon. Member knows, a limit to the amount of industry seeking new quarters.

Mr. Jeger

Does not the Minister agree that it is a very serious situation when about one-sixth of the adult working population of Goole has to travel out of the town in order to obtain work? This entails something like 2 to 2½hours' travel a day. Could not the right hon. Gentleman do something to encourage light industries to settle in the town?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will bear all these factors in mind in giving consideration to this matter, but only 289 out of a total insured population of 12,000 in the Goole area are at the moment unemployed.