HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc1396-7
7. Mr. P. Browne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the unemployment percentage in Bideford and Torrington has reached a figure similar to that of last February, when the area was scheduled under the Redistribution of Industries Act; and why Bideford has been excluded from the list of proposed development districts.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Rodgers)

The unemployment rate in Bideford has fallen from an average of 4.3 per cent. in 1958 to 3.4 per cent. in 1959. It is, therefore, not appropriate for inclusion on the list in view of the requirement of high and persistent unemployment laid down in the Local Employment Bill.

Mr. Browne

Will my hon. Friend please bear in mind that the district has not had time yet to feel the real benefit from the present Redistribution of Industries Act in that it was included as a scheduled area only in January, 1959? Will he also note that the unemployment percentage for January, 1959, is exactly comparable with January, 1960, and that surely substantiates the contention that the district should still be included in spite of the yearly average?

Mr. Rodgers

I will certainly bear the point in mind. To be strictly accurate, the employment position has slightly improved, the percentages being: January, 1959, 4.5; January, 1960, 4.3; February, 1959, 4.6; February, 1960, 4.1.