§ 5. Mr. Pentlandasked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 14,500 jobs promised for the County of Durham during the next few years will be made available within the exchange areas of the Chester-le-Street constituency.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonAbout 825.
§ Mr. PentlandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in replying to all these Questions his Answers have been based on hypothetical information? Is he aware that in my constituency there are available splendid industrial sites which have every advantage in facilities and amenities? In view of this and the fact that up till now the Local Employment Act has been a dismal failure in the county, will he tell us what the Government intend to do to introduce stronger measures to bring industry to this part of the country?
§ Mr. MacphersonAgain, the Local Employment Act does not apply so directly to the hon. Member's constituency as to other constituencies, as there are no development districts in his constituency.
§ Mr. PentlandOn a point of order. The hon. Gentleman is not strictly correct—[HON. MEMBERS "That is not a point of order."]—I am seeking your guidance, Mr. Speaker, and drawing attention to the fact that the answer is not strictly correct.
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not understand how that raises a point of procedure or order.
§ Mr. PentlandMay I have this clarified? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some months ago I received an Answer from the President of the Board of Trade which stated categorically that in certain circumstances my constituency would benefit through the Local Employment Act?
§ Mr. MacphersonMay I correct what I said? I apologise to the House. It is a fact that a small part of the Houghton-le-Spring Exchange area is within the constituency of the hon. Member.