HC Deb 26 January 1961 vol 633 cc323-5
24. Mr. P. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has now been made, under the Local Employment Act, in bringing new industry to the North-East.

Mr. Maudling

As my hon. Friend said in reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Pentland) on 20th December, it is too early for the effects of the Local Employment Act to be gauged. There are, however, about 9,000 additional jobs in prospect in the development districts in the North-East. and the rate of unemployment in these districts has fallen from 5.3 per cent. in March, 1960, to 4.6 per cent. in December, 1960.

Mr. Williams

When my right hon. Friend talks of new jobs becoming available in development districts, can he say whether it is as a result of new industry coming in or of existing industries redeveloping and re-expanding?

Mr. Maudling

It is normally a mixture of the two. The figures I gave are based on applications to us for industrial development certificates. I think that on the whole it is the healthiest thing for any area to have new jobs arising from both sources.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the North-East is very much the Cinderella in regard to the work of this Act? Is he satisfied that the Board of Trade Advisory Committee is giving full help to firms in the area that are seeking to expand?

Mr. Maudling

I should very much like to get more firms to the North-East. On the other hand, in some ways the employment experience has been better than at one time I feared it might be, but I am very well aware of the requirements and difficulties in the North-East.

Mr. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of us there are getting fed up and tired of hearing of the disadvantages of the North-East, and that we are more keen to advocate the advantages of the North-East?

37. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Parliamentary Secretary has reported on his visit to the North-East; and what action he now intends taking on the industrial requirements of the area, and in particular the new 'town of Peterlee and the adjoining district.

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of the industrial problems of the North-East, and the Board of Trade will continue to do all it can to encourage new industries to set up in the development districts in the area, including Peterlee.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the planning committee of Durham County Council takes such a gloomy view of the prospects of the area contiguous to Peterlee, in particular the township of Haswell, that it refused to allow the Easington Council to build houses in the area? Will he correct that impression by informing those concerned that he is serious in his intention to promote industry in that district?

Mr. Maudling

I am sorry to hear of this pessimism. I wish that I could change the attitude of the authority by informing it of my intentions, but I know very well, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, that the only thing to produce results is results. I am trying to get them.