§ 1. Mr. Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade what recent steps have been taken by his Department to call the attention of industrialists to the trade and employment prospects in the mid-Northumberland area, in view of the growing difficulty of finding employment by the disabled and able-bodied in the area.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Reginald Maudling)Four firms have recently been shown locations in this area.
§ Mr. OwenIt is encouraging to know that four firms have been invited, and I hope that results will follow, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the promoters of the Hovercraft experimental project are making inquiries for facilities apart from where they are at the moment? Will he look at the possibility of the County of Northumberland, with its wide coastline, its reservoir of skilled workers and its training services, being considered in this respect? Further, is he aware that it is reported that Accrington R.A.F. camp is to be closed? If that report is correct, will he carefully consider the possibility of establishing there a training centre for apprenticeship and, perhaps, a place to provide work for disabled workers?
§ Mr. MaudlingI shall certainly bear those points in mind when that firm or any other approaches us and requires permission to expand its activities.