62. Mr. Slaterasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been received by his Department for Government-financed factories in the United Kingdom; how many of these have been from the North-East; and how many from the North-East have been agreed to.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonUnder the Local Employment Act, 1960, which does not apply to Northern Ireland, 54 applications have been received for new Government-financed factories. Nine of these have been for factories in the North-East development districts. Of these, one was withdrawn by the applicant at an early stage and one was withdrawn after approval had been given. The other seven have been approved and remain firm.
Mr. SlaterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Members representing constituencies in the North-East would be more satisfied if the President of the Board of Trade gave more positive assistance concerning the unemployment needs and requirements of our people?
§ Mr. MacphersonI am not certain that I caught everything that the hon. Gentleman said, but I assure him that my right hon. Friend is well aware of the needs of the North-East. He has just paid a further visit there.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a 60,000 square feet Government-financed factory standing empty at Stockton-on-Tees? What is he doing about getting a new tenant for it?
§ Mr. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend is doing all he can to attract a tenant to the factory.
§ Mr. PopplewellIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are still 37,000 unemployed people in this area? How does he tie up his statement last week that he hopes to provide work for 14,500 people with his reply today that there are only seven projects in being? Will he take a serious view of this terrific problem in the North-East and do something energetic about it?
§ Mr. MacphersonThe Question asked about new Government-financed factories. There are extensions as well. There have been 31 applications from the North-East for extensions, 24 of which have been approved.