HC Deb 10 May 1960 vol 623 cc195-7
23. Mr. Slater

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent redundancies that have taken place on the Aycliffe Trading Estate; and what are the prospects of these people finding employment.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Yes, Sir. Some redundancies at particular factories on an estate of this size are from time to time inevitable. The ones the hon. Member seems to have in mind were at the time partially offset by increased employment in other factories on the estate, and during April there was an improvement in the total numbers employed there. Further increases are expected.

Mr. Slater

Is not the Minister aware that I have endeavoured, by Questions and by a speech on the Local Employment Act. to make plain my concern regarding the new town of Newton Aycliffe? What is being done to offset the many forms of redundancies which are taking place? On 4th May the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend informed me that 170 redundancies had taken place at two factories. The greater part of the residents in the new town at Newton Aycliffe depend upon the trading estate for employment.

Mr. Rodgers

As I understand it, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour said that there were about 170 redundancies on the Aycliffe Trading Estate this year and that at one of the two firms affected the reason was reorganisation and at the other firm it was a fall in demand for its products. The Ministry of Labour's figures on that occasion did not take into account the month of April, when there was an improvement.

24. Mr. Slater

asked the President of the Board of Trade what recent consultations his Department has had with firms wishing to come to the Aycliffe Trading Estate; and what are the prospects in this respect.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The Board of Trade is prepared to see more industry at Aycliffe and industrial development certificates would be granted to firms wishing to develop there. There has been only one recent inquiry.

Mr. Slater

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend informed me on 3rd November that there are 150 acres of land within this area? As so much application has been made for the direction of such firms as the Ford Motor Company etc. to various parts of the country, why cannot consideration be given so that these firms and others can be directed to come up to the North-East?

Mr. Rodgers

I should make it quite clear that I think that both sides of the House—certainly this side—do not seek powers to direct industry. We try to steer industry. We do not direct it. In the past two years, Government-financed extensions at Aycliffe have been authorised for 14 firms estimated to provide about 550 new jobs.