Northumberland (Hansard, 3 March 1960)

§ 9 and 10. Mr. McKay
asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what communications he has received from companies indicating that in certain conditions they would consider starting factories between Blyth, Wallsend, Gosforth and Newcastle, North; what negotiations are now in progress with suitable firms for these areas; and if he will consider making some part of these districts an area for development under the Local Employment Bill;
(2) to what extent he has examined the industrial situation in those parts of Northumberland covered by the Newburn, West Moor, Blyth, and Wallsend employment exchanges; and whether any of these areas are nearing the point for scheduling under the Local Employment Bill.

§ Mr. J. Rodgers
The industrial situation in these parts of Northumberland has been carefully examined, but neither this nor the rate of unemployment, which at present is just over 3 per cent., would justify adding any of the places mentioned to the list of Development Districts. We will, however, keep a close watch on the position. So far as I can trace, no communication of the type mentioned by the hon. Member has been received recently by the Board of Trade, but the advantages of these places as a location for new industry are continually brought to the attention of firms which might be interested.

§ Mr. McKay
Has the hon. Gentleman had a communication from the Northumberland County Council pointing out the serious position? Has he consulted the directors of the plastics factory at Wellington Quay, close to Wallsend? The firm seems to be doing very well and might be able to expand more inland into the Northumberland area if he consulted it. Will the Minister keep a careful eye on the situation, particularly because of the number of miners in the area whose employment is affected?

§ Mr. Rodgers
We agree that the area is too dependent on coal and shipbuilding and will do all we can to help to diversify the industry in that part of the country.

§ Mr. Short
Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the overall unemployment figure is a good deal above 3 per cent.? Will he also bear in mind that the average figure submerges some very big occupational figures, such as nearly 11 per cent. in shipbuilding and ship repairing, which are lost sight of in the overall percentage?

§ Mr. Rodgers
We are aware of the figures and are doing what we can to attract industry to the area.