HC Deb 04 June 1959 vol 606 cc339-40
7. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will direct the attention of firms engaged in industry to the facilities available in the new town of Peterlee.

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir, I should welcome industrial development in Peterlee, but I must point out that there are areas where unemployment is higher and more persistent.

Mr. Shinwell

But is not the President of the Board of Trade aware that I have made representations to him during the past three or four years and very little progress has resulted? Does he not appreciate that we are becoming very worried about the situation because there is a good deal of unemployment in the area and there is a possibility of more? If he does not do anything about it, I shall have to put down a Motion of censure on him.

Sir D. Eccles

I realise what the right hon. Gentleman says and, particularly, I realise that there are women unemployed in the area. We are doing our best to get some new factory to go there.