1. Commander Kerensasked the President of the Board of Trade what urgent measures he proposes to take to alleviate the continuing rise in unemployment in The Hartlepools, which is now 6.3 per cent.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Niall Macpherson)My right hon. Friend will continue to use his powers under the Local Employment Act and the Town and Country Planning Act to encourage industrial development in the area. Several firms are known to be considering going to The Hartlepools or expanding there.
§ Commander KeransWould not my hon. Friend agree that the figure of unemployment in The Hartlepools is now 6½ per cent. and has been rising in the last few months? Let us face the fact that very little appears to have been done. Is my hon. Friend further aware that the number of school leavers still increases, that we have a recession in the steel and shipping industries and that a still greater effort is needed by the Board of Trade to advertise and to do something to increase industrial activity in that area?
§ Mr. MacphersonI am glad to be stimulated by my hon. Friend to con- 208 tinuing well-doing. There are 950 jobs in prospect at present.
§ Commander KeransOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.