§ 31. Mr. Haymanasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what special steps he is taking to bring new industries to Falmouth and Penryn in the constituency of Falmouth and Camborne.
§ Mr. du CannI shall continue to make full use of the powers provided by the Local Employment Acts to encourage industrial development in the Falmouth Development District.
§ Mr. HaymanDoes not the Minister think that the time has come for more action than that? The Government have been promising this action for many years, but only one small new industry has come to the area despite their efforts. Is the Minister aware that the present unemployment rate is over 12 per cent. and that it seems that it may become almost endemic, or even worse. Will the Minister take special steps to 557 see that something radical is done to improve the situation there?
§ Mr. du CannI certainly realise the situation, and I have the figures in front of me. I also know the hon. Member's long-standing and deeply-felt concern about the matter. Substantial benefits are available under the Acts, and the position is not quite so black as one might suppose from an examination of the figures to which the hon. Member has referred, for there are about 1,000 jobs in prospect in the neighbouring area, with which he is equally familiar.
§ Mr. HaymanMay I ask the Minister to remember that those jobs are to be available in the Camborne-Redruth area over a number of years, and that the industrial site at Camborne-Redruth is 13 or 14 miles away, and is likely to be of little help to the unemployed people of Falmouth?
§ Mr. du CannI do not entirely accept the hon. Member's last point. It is well within travelling distance and an indication that progress is being made.