§ 11. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new town of Peterlee has fewer industrial undertakings than any of the other new towns; and whether he will, in these circumstances, make a further effort to induce firms about to embark on extensions to use the facilities of Peterlee for that purpose.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary on 30th July last.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not this most unsatisfactory? Surely the right hon. Gentleman will take into consideration the plight of this area and the need for some new industry. This is a rapidly developing area with a population now estimated at 11,000, which is expected to rise to 20,000 in the next few years. Surely something can be done to encourage manufacturers to go there.
§ Sir D. EcclesI sympathise with the right hon. Gentleman. We will, of 1405 course, continue to try to get manufacturers to go there. The two firms which have been attracted to the new town now employ 660 workers and aim to build the number up to 850, which I hope will soon come about.