HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc1276-7
32. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Labour, as a result of his visit to Tyneside and his talks with employers, trade union officials and other interested parties, what conclusions he has formed regarding the need for additional industries in the north-east; and what steps he is taking to provide work for those now without jobs.

Mr. Heath

I recognize the need for additional employment, especially for men and boys, and I am impressed by the opportunities offered for new industries in the north-east. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who hopes to visit Tyneside on 29th February, entirely shares this view and he will continue his efforts to attract fresh industries to the area.

Mr. Fernyhough

While we are very pleased in the north-east at the interest being taken by the right hon. Gentleman and his Ministerial colleagues, we are not at the moment very enamoured of the progress which is being made. Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the President of the Board of Trade that he is repeatedly saying that he is doing his best but while he is doing his best, unemployment in Jarrow and Hebburn is growing worse? In my constituency we have almost 2,000 unemployed, or a rate of about 8 per cent. Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any real hope of jobs for these people in the reasonably near future?

Mr. Heath

The whole of the area to which the hon. Gentleman is referring is on the list of development areas—

Mr. Robens

No.

Mr. Heath

—issued by my right hon. Friend. My right hon. Friend and I have both been doing our utmost to persuade new industry to go there.

Mr. Robens

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while there are some isolated cases on Tyneside on the list, there are other places in south Northumberland and Durham which are vitally affected by the diminution in coal mining and that these are areas which require very special attention? Will he and the President of the Board of Trade apply their minds to the position now obtaining with the tremendous reduction in the number of miners employed in south Northumberland and Durham?

Mr. Heath

We are in close contact with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power in order to have information about this developing situation. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the President of the Board of Trade is taking all these considerations into account in looking to the future.

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