HC Deb 25 July 1957 vol 574 cc566-8
3 and 5. Mr. Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1)what plans he is making for the disposal of the Royal Ordnance Factory at Swynnerton in such a way as to create a higher level of employment in North Staffordshire;

(2)if he is aware of the need for new industry in North Staffordshire; and what steps he is taking to make this need widely known.

14. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for the Swynnerton site to be made a development area site extending the same concessions and facilities to future industrialists who are prepared to commence production on the site.

Sir D. Eccles

It is too soon to say what local difficulties the closure of Swynnerton may create, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I will watch the position closely. The Board of Trade will bring to the notice of firms seeking new premises the facilities available at Swynnerton and elsewhere in North Staffordshire.

Mr. Swingler

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not too soon to say that unemployment in North Staffordshire has been higher than the national average for a long time and that the redundancies at these Royal Ordnance factories are liable to accentuate the problem? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the need for a speedy move to make plans for the disposal of these factories and for some constructive civil employment for these workers before they are thrown on to the scrap heap?

Sir D. Eccles

Employment in the pottery industry, I am glad to say, is better than it was. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we must do our best in regard to the workers who may become redundant at Swynnerton, and we will.

Mr. Ellis Smith

At a time and on a day convenient to the President next week, will he receive a deputation consisting of the six North Staffordshire Members of Parliament in order that we can deal with the matter, and, if so, will he arrange to have present his officers who operate the Distribution of Industry Act? In view of the fundamental difference between those referred to in the White Paper yesterday and our own people, will the right hon. Gentleman treat the matter as one of urgency?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir. I am very ready to see Members of Parliament on anything.

Mr. S. Silverman

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's offer to receive the deputation to which my hon. Friend referred, would he consider receiving at the same time Members of Parliament from North-East Lancashire so that they may hold a watching brief and give the benefit to the Staffordshire Members of their experience of the working of development councils so far as North-East Lancashire is concerned?

Sir D. Eccles

I think I will see the Members of Parliament from North Staffordshire first.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Whilst appreciating the right hon. Gentleman's reply, will he bear in mind that our percentage of unemployment is double the number to which the hon. Member referred?