HC Deb 23 April 1963 vol 676 cc21-2
29. Mr. Stones

asked the President of the Board of Trade bow many inquiries he has received from industrialists with the object of siting new industries in the urban districts of Stanley and Consett in the County of Durham since they were listed as development districts; and what were the results.

Mr. D. Price

Three local firms have applied for financial assistance under the Local Employment Act. There have been a number of inquiries from firms outside these districts, but no firm projects have been secured yet. My right hon. Friend will continue to recommend Consett and Stanley to industrialists inquiring about possible locations.

Mr. Stones

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his answer seems to indicate a complete failure of the Local Employment Act to direct new industries to my constituency? Is he further aware that despite the great fall in the unemployment figures in my constituency, the latest available figures show that the rate of unemployment is 4.6 per cent, in the Stanley exchange area and 3.1 per cent. in the Consett exchange area? Is there nothing that he can do, in co-operation with his noble Friend the Minister for Science, to induce industrialists to come into the area? Should not there be a more rigorous control of this type of industry?

Mr. Price

The hon. Member will be interested to know that within recent months the Board of Trade has recommended Consett and Stanley to seventeen different industrialists with different projects. Regrettably, so far a firm project has not been realised.