HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1112-3
21. Mr. P. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what success he has had in bringing new industry to the North-East since the introduction of the Local Employment Act.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Since the Act came into force we know of nine new firms which have decided to come into the area. The Act also, of course, benefits firms already in the area who wish to expand. There are about 10,000 new jobs in prospect in the development districts in the North-East.

Mr. Williams

My hon. Friend says that jobs are "in prospect". How soon does he mean by that—during the current year, in the next 12 months, or what?

Mr. Macpherson

No; they are in prospect. These are the estimates of the amount of employment that firms setting up or expanding in the area expect to attain. It is not possible to say when they will attain it.

Mr. Lipton

Make what you like of that.