§ 20. Mr. Pentlandasked the President of the Board of Trade how many additional jobs are expected to be provided in the Chester-le-Street constituency in 1962; and how many inquiries from industrialists about development in the constituency are currently under his consideration.
§ Mr. ErrollThe hon. Member's constituency extends over all or part of the Chester-le-Street, Birtley, Houghton-le-Spring and Washington Station employment exchange areas. About 2,100 additional jobs are expected to be provided in these areas, but I cannot say how many of them will arise in 1962. Two firms are currently considering development in these areas.
§ Mr. PentlandIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I appreciate that reply? Can he confirm or deny that a large firm which wished to build a new factory in the Chester-le-Street constituency was discouraged by his Department because of the Government's present financial policy?
§ Mr. ErrollI can neither confirm nor deny.