§ 24. Dr. Strossasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the establishment of new industrial enterprises in Stoke-on-Trent.
§ Sir D. EcclesI have nothing new to report but the needs of North Staffordshire are brought to the attention of suitable firms.
§ Dr. StrossCan the President give an assurance that he will give this matter high priority? Is he aware that the closing down of the great Royal Ordnance Factory at Swynnerton and the diversion of the extension of the Michelin factory elsewhere, and the imposition of a 30 per cent. Purchase Tax three years ago, has wounded this area considerably and something ought now to be done about it with great energy?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe hon. Member may be interested to know that, of more than 2,000 workers at Swynnerton, only 69 are on the unemployment register, and that the numbers of wholly unemployed in October were 2.5 per cent., which included an unusual number who were temporarily stopped on the day of the count.