HC Deb 05 April 1955 vol 539 cc984-5
21. Mr. D. Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he contemplates to absorb the men and women unemployed in the Hartlepools area.

Mr. H. Strauss

We will encourage industrial development in this area whenever opportunity offers.

Mr. Jones

Does the Parliamentary Secretary recognise that encouragement without any tangible and visible means of finding employment for these people is not good enough? Is he not aware that quite recently about 600 women were put out of employment because of a disastrous fire and that nothing has yet been done to find alternative employment for them?

Mr. Strauss

The hon. Gentleman is aware that a good deal of new industry has been introduced into this area, but I share his desire that further industry should be introduced.