§ 42. Mr. J. Patonasked the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has for the diversion of light industries to Norwich and Norfolk, in view of the rise in unemployment in that area.
§ Mr. ErrollWe shall continue to encourage firms to go to places, in Norfolk as elsewhere in the country, where there is high and persistent unemployment.
§ Mr. PatonIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in Norwich the volume of unemployment is now about one-third greater than it was last year, and that similar conditions exist over a large part of Norfolk? In view of the lack of suitable alternative accommodation in that area, will he treat this as a matter of some urgency?
§ Mr. ErrollYes, Sir. We are considering very carefully the position in the part of Norfolk mentioned, with especial reference to the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Bill which is now going through Parliament.