§ 23. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the substantially higher than average unemployment obtaining in Jarrow and Hebburn, what steps he is taking to find a tenant for the factory vacated by British Celanese; and what he is doing to attract additional industries to the area.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Board of Trade, North Eastern Trading Estates Limited and British Celanese, Limited, are all seeking a new tenant for this factory. It has been shown to several inquirers, but so far without success. As the hon. Member will know, D.A.T.A.C. assistance is available to firms willing to set up or expand in Jarrow and Hebburn.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWhen D.A.T.A.C. was introduced we were given great promises about what its effects would be. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since D.A.T.A.C. came into operation, unemployment in Jarrow and Hebburn has never been less than 6 per cent., which is about four times the national average? What does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do to bring work to areas such as those? What is his policy?
§ Mr. MaudlingThis Question was about the British Celanese factory, and we are doing our best to dispose of it.
§ Mr. FernyhoughOn a point of order. My Question asked:
and what he is doing to attract additional industries to the area".
§ Mr. MaudlingIf I may say so, Mr. Speaker, that is fair enough. On the second part of the Question, I can only say that we are applying in this area the same policy as we are applying in other parts of the country—the availability of factories on special terms and the availability of D.A.T.A.C. loans. The whole question of the general system of assisting any areas of special unemployment will come up for general review in the House in the near future.
§ Mr. NabarroIt is not everybody who wants to go to Jarrow.