§ 13. Mr. Ainsleyasked the Minister of Labour what reduction there has been in the numbers of unemployed in Crook since this area was listed under the Local Employment Bill.
§ Mr. AinsleyDuring the General Election the Government made great play of their proposed Local Employment Bill. In the period that has since intervened, will the Minister tell us what new industry has come into the whole of the west of Durham, where we have a declining mining industry, where pits and other places are closing, and where the disabled workers and the young people cannot find work? Will he tell us what the Government intend doing about this?
§ Mr. HeathThe pledge in the election manifesto was carried out by the Government making the local Employment Bill the first Measure of this Parliament. That Measure received the Royal Assent just before Easter, but despite its recent nature it has already 192 had a very considerable effect on some major industries, including the motor industry. As regards the hon. Gentleman's own area, he will be glad to know that 470 jobs are expected to accrue in south-west Durham from projects that have already been approved.