HC Deb 26 July 1960 vol 627 cc1271-2
11. Mr. Ainsley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plan he has for the three district authorities within the Crook employment exchange area, scheduled under the Employment Act, to receive industrial aid, as basic industries decline and unemployment increases.

Mr. Maudling

Industrial projects to be located in the Bishop Auckland development district, which includes Crook, are eligible for the assistance available under the Local Employment Act, and my Department will continue to do all it can to encourage new industry to go there.

Mr. Ainsley

I want to thank the Minister for his sympathetic approach to this problem in previous correspondence I have had with him, but sympathy is not enough. This area is declining in its basic industries and migration is speeding up. It was stated on the tape only yesterday that 10,000 to 15,000 extra jobs are being created in the London area, which will cause further social problems. Will the Minister do some planning and get industry into these areas?

Mr. Maudling

I am aware of the difficulties in this area, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that we are doing all we can to help.