§ 35. Mr. Shortasked the President of the Board of Trade what new industrial undertakings have been established in Newcastle-upon-Tyne during 1958 as a result of the efforts of his Department.
§ Mr. J. RodgersThe satisfactory level of activity in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has not called for special measures by the Board of Trade this year, but one small undertaking has moved to the City during this time.
§ Mr. ShortAgain, the Minister's reply is nonsense. Is he aware that long ago the industrial pattern in Newcastle reached the maximum point of absorption of the men who have been paid off in the engineering industry? When will the Government do something about this matter? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men who have been paid off in the engineering shops on Tyneside are being offered work in Liverpool at the moment? When will he do something about the position?
§ Mr. RodgersThe rate of unemployment in Tyne, North-West, which includes Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was 2.2 per cent. in October, which compares with 2.3 per cent. for the average for Great Britain.
§ Mr. ShortIn view of the Minister's quite unsatisfactory reply to these questions—in fact, I have had no reply at all—I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.