§ 27. Mr. Willeyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will 941 include Sunderland in the list of development districts eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Act.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonNo, Sir. The employment prospects in Sunderland are such that my right hon. Friend would not be justified in accepting further applications for financial assistance.
Mr. WileyIs the Minister aware that for five years we have had more than 5 per cent. unemployed, and that we still have that percentage? Is he further aware that no one in Sunderland can understand wily we have been divorced entirely from Government aid?
§ Mr. MacphersonA large number of firms are constructing there and taking on workers. There are more jobs in prospect there than there are unemployed.
§ Mr. WilleyWe shall have to wait until 1965 before we get this new employment, most of which will have been provided by the local authority. We are still awaiting aid from the Government. The prospects for our major industry of shipbuilding are such that we must expect more unemployment in the next few years.
§ Mr. MacphersonWhat the hon. Member says is quite untrue. These firms have received considerable aid from the Government.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsIs my hon. Friend aware that most of the people of Sunderland understand that the Government have done a lot for the town?