24. Mr. Mackayasked the President of the Board of Trade how many companies enlarged their establishments, and how many new factories were commenced, in Northumberland, excluding the city of Newcastle, during the two years 1960 and 1961; and what additional employment resulted, both male and female.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Niall Macpherson)In 1960 and 1961 in the parts of Northumberland outside the area covered by the Newcastle, Elswick and Walker Employment Exchange areas 12 extensions were completed; the number of new factories begun was seven; two sets of premises were turned to industrial use, and five firms were allocated space in Government factories. The employment expected from these developments is 850 males and 776 females.
Mr. MackayIt is very pleasing to hear that something is being done, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of anxiety in Northumberland and that it is hoped that the Board of Trade will proceed with more determination to improve the situation?
§ Mr. MacphersonI note what the hon. Member says. We have added two areas to the list of development districts in Northumberland.
§ Mr. PopplewellDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the figures he has given do not compensate for the actual jobs lost in the area during this given period of time? Will he do something to see that even more industrial development takes place in the area? Is he aware that with the closing down of mines, and the like, far more personnel are being lost to industry than the figures indicate?
§ Mr. MacphersonWe are aware of the problem and are concentrating on the worst areas.
25. Mr. Mackayasked the President of the Board of Trade how many vacant sites for factories there are in Northumberland county; and what information he has as to the companies which are making inquiries, with a view to using these sites where very good transport facilities exist.:
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe main industrial sites in the county of Northumberland are described in a booklet produced by the county council; I am arranging for a copy of this booklet to be sent to the hon. Member. Close and regular contact about these sites and the facilities available is maintained with the county planning authorities by the Board of Trade regional officials, who have brought them to the attention of a number of firms making inquiries about locations for expansion. I could not give the hon. Member information about individual firms' inquiries without disclosing information given to the Board in confidence.
Mr. MackayI am glad to hear that something is being done. But may I ask whether the Minister has attempted to explain what a splendid part of the country this is and how there are facilities by sea, splendid towns, and a great background of country? Will he try to do a little better for Northumberland?
§ Mr. MacphersonI am visiting Northumberland at the end of this week.