HC Deb 22 November 1955 vol 546 c1257
43. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he has made with the provision of industries for the new town of Peterlee.

Mr. Walker-Smith

One Government-financed factory was completed at Peterlee last year and a second this year. A third has been approved.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have just received a letter from the President intimating his intention to visit the North-East in the next couple of days, including a visit to the new town Peterlee, in which he says, "Drive through Peterlee, no stop"? Is that not an insult to the people of the new town of Peterlee? How is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to ascertain whether any progress is being made or ought to be made unless he spends a few minutes there? Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bring pressure to bear on his right hon. Friend to induce him to stop there a little while?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Progress has certainly been made and is being made. I can only assume that it must not have been made clear to my right hon. Friend that he was to have the pleasure of the right hon. Gentleman's company if he stopped there.