§ 31. Mr. G. Jegerasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large increase in the number of unemployed in Goole; and whether he will now include that town in the Government aid scheme for developing new industries.
§ Mr. J. RodgersWhilst the number of unemployed in Goole has unfortunately increased during the last few months, I am glad to say that the total of unemployment is not so high or persistent that my right hon. Friend would be justified in including the town on the list of areas to benefit from the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act.
§ Mr. JegerDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that the figures of unemployment on the books do not reflect the true position, that several hundred work-people of Goole have to leave the town every day to go to seek work in other towns, sometimes a long way off? Has the Board of Trade no contribution to make towards the unemployment problem in Goole, other than closing down the local flax mill, which it did a little while ago?
§ Mr. RodgersThe Board of Trade will naturally welcome any application for industrial development certificates in this area. As I believe the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a large traffic between Goole and Hull, and I hope to go up to Hull at the beginning of next week to discuss the matter.