HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc1-2
1. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the recent visit of his Parliamentary Secretary to Sunderland.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. John Hare)

Yes, Sir. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for my hon. Friend to learn at first hand of the employment problems of Sunderland. The Government will continue to do all they can to encourage industrial development in the area.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we enjoyed the visit of the Parliamentary Secretary very much, but that we have a level of 5 per cent. unemployment which has persisted for a long time and shows signs of increasing? As yet there axe no signs of effective Government action.

Mr. Hare

It was because I recognised that Sunderland has particular difficulties in this connection that I originally—and my hon. Friend kindly took my place at the last moment—decided to visit Sunderland.