§ 31. Mr. Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to the case for new industries submitted to him by the Northumberland County Council; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingAs I have told the county council, I have carefully studied the case it submitted to me and welcome its initiative in seeking to attract new industry.
§ Mr. OwenPromises of that character are of little encouragement to the county as a whole. Is the Minister aware that in January this year nearly 3 per cent. of the total registered insured people were unemployed? Is he further aware that, in the main, this is a mining area and that the future of that industry is not very encouraging? Will he take immediate steps to give some basic encouragement to the people of the area?
§ Mr. MaudlingOne should not underestimate the prospect of the mining industry in this area. We keep in close touch with the National Coal Board about future plans. I should be happy to persuade other industrialists to go to the North-East, to Tyneside and Sunderland. We are getting a few to go, and I hope there will be more.
§ Mr. OwenIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.