Bideford and Torrington Area

HC Deb 27 November 1962 vol 668 cc191-2

17. Mr. P. Browne

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage industry to go to the Bideford and Torrington area.

Mr. D. Price

My right hon. Friend is aware that unemployment in the Bideford and Torrington area is above the national average and he is keeping a careful watch on the position. He would be prepared to encourage suitable small developments there.

Mr. Browne

Is my hon. Friend aware that the level of unemployment in the area is already 4.1 per cent.? Is he further aware that shortly it is highly likely that our biggest employer will be closing down and that the level of unemployment may well reach over 6 per cent. by next February? Does not he think, therefore, that the area should be included as a development district under the Local Employment Act?

Mr. Price

I repeat that my right hon. Friend is watching the situation very carefully.

Mr. Browne

Is it not a fact that under the Act the Government are empowered to put districts on the list if there is the likelihood of unemployment above a certain level.

Mr. Price

Yes, Sir. That is exactly what my right hon. Friend did in the case of Darlington.