Ashington and Morpeth

HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc1416-7

5. Mr. Owen

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what trades the 700 prospective new jobs will be in the areas of AShington and Morpeth, Northumberland; and when they will be available.

Mr. Erroll

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the 700 new industrial] jobs estimated to be in prospect in the area covered by the Amble, Morpeth, Ashington and Bedlington Station Employment Exchange areas.

Among the industries in which these jobs will accrue are the manufacture of electrical resistors, building blocks and clothing. They are expected to accrue within the next three years.

Mr. Owen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the area covered by these assumed 700 jobs is an area of increasing unemployment? While we welcome any new jobs that can be secured for people in the area, surely it is not enough to assume that the 700 jobs will meet the urgent needs of my division and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth (Mr. Milne).

Mr. Erroll

I am not satisfied with the result so fair, but it is progress. I understand that the National Coal Board does not expect any pit closures in this area in 1963.