HC Deb 09 April 1963 vol 675 cc1070-1
12. Mr. Milne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer his proposals in relation to planning and development in northeast England during 1963–64.

Mr. Maudling

I would refer the hon. Member to my Budget statement.

Mr. Milne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even the contents of his Budget statement are inadequate to deal with the problem of unemployment in the North-East, and that it is about two and a half years since he promised us that the solution to the problem was in sight? Unemployment figures have mounted since then. What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about unemployment in addition to what he has already done?

Mr. Maudling

I think that the proposals which I have made will prove to be of very substantial benefit to these districts.

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Is my right hon. Friend aware how very well received his Budget proposals were in the north-east of England, one of the areas which will benefit from them, and by the Press, by the public, and, in fact, by everyone other than the Labour Party?

Mr. Jay

Is the Chancellor aware that, since his Budget statement, Dorman Long and Co. Ltd. has announced the closure of a large works on the North-East Coast? Do not the Government accept, through the Iron and Steel Board, any responsibility for decisions by iron and steel firms?

Mr. Maudling

Questions on Dorman Long and Co. Ltd. should be put to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power. However, in general, any closures in the North-East emphasise the importance of carrying through the Government's measures.