HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 c385
5. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour how many men are unemployed and how many are on short time in the construction industries and in other industries, respectively, in the Bishop Auckland travel-to-work area.

Mr. Whitelaw

At 12th November, 1962, 2,329 men were unemployed of whom 580 were previously employed in the construction industry. According to reports received at our local offices, there were 219 males on short time in the week ending 7th December. None of these were employed in the construction industry.

Mr. Boyden

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making better transport arrangements to some areas in the North where there is more work? Has he heard that the new University of York building programme is held up to some extent by lack of operatives? Could not he arrange for fast, cheap transport from south-west Durham to York?

Mr. Whitelaw

I have certainly noted that important and valuable point.