§ 43. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken by his Department to bring new industries to Tyneside, in view of the sharp increase in unemployment.
§ Mr. J. RodgersJarrow, Hebburn and South Shields have been added to the list of places where Government assistance under the Distribution of Industry (Industrial Finance) Act, 1958, is available, and approval has been given to fifteen schemes for extensions to Government-financed factories in the area which should provide employment for an additional 950 people.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in Newcastle alone there are 6,000 people out of work and there is great anxiety regarding the development of unemployment in the ship-repairing and shipbuilding industry? Will he look at the matter to see what action can be taken?
§ Mr. RodgersI am aware of the serious position. In addition to the figures I have announced, the extensions of private factories recently approved consist of 24 under construction which will provide 1,390 additional jobs and 25 not yet started which will provide employment for 587 persons—a total of just under 2,000 jobs.