§ 3. Mr. Speirasked the Minister of Works how many full-time employees are engaged on all aspects of the Spadeadam Rocket Project at the present time; and how many he estimates will be so employed on 1st June, 1959, 1960, and 1961.
§ Mr. MolsonOn 26th January, 1959, 1,911 full-time employees were engaged on the Spadeadam site. This number is expected to decline fairly rapidly over the next two years. I can give no reliable estimate of future trends on so complex a project.
§ Mr. SpeirWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this area of Northumberland suffered from severe unemployment in the inter-war period and now faces further unemployment because of the closing of mines and collieries in the area? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply and do his best to ensure that the maximum amount of employment on a permanent basis is provided at this site?
§ Mr. MolsonThere is no question of my providing permanent employment on this site. My responsibility there is to build this experimental station and to do so with due regard for economy.