HC Deb 27 November 1962 vol 668 cc185-6
7. Mr. Donnelly

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the high rate of unemployment in the Milford Haven area; and what steps he is taking to deal with the problem.

Mr. D. Price

My right hon. Friend is aware of the continuing high unemployment in the Milford Haven area, and is continuing to do all he can to encourage new industrial development there. The facilities of the Local Employment Act are available to firms prepared to provide employment in the district.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade said some months ago in this House that the prospects in the area had improved so much that it was not necessary to build an advance factory, but that since then unemployment has gone up to 14 per cent. and is rising? Is there any reason whatever why the President of the Board of Trade should not join the dole queue for a bit of corrective training?

Mr. Price

On our figures, 500 new jobs are accruing from new projects in the Pembroke Dock area. I quite recognise, however, that the unemployment figure there is extremely high.