§ 24. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken in the past twelve months to attract new industry into Peterlee and the adjoining district; and what success he has had.
§ Mr. MaudlingIn the last twelve months a number of firms have been shown the industrial sites in the area and the facilities of the Local Employment Act have been available throughout the period. There are about 160 new jobs in prospect in the Horden Employment Exchange area arising from expansions by firms already there.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not that mean that nothing has been done in the last twelve months? Does not the right hon. Gentleman understand that there is no point in having a new town unless it has an industrial connotation? We are getting very much concerned about the position. In view of the fact that he has done nothing in the last twelve months, may I have an assurance that he will try to do something in the next twelve months?
§ Mr. MaudlingI thought that the Answer showed exactly what we have been doing, which is a good deal. If the right hon. Gentleman wants us to direct firms to go there, he is asking for something for which we have no power, and for which the House would not grant us the power.