HC Deb 18 December 1963 vol 686 cc1237-8
20. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Postmaster-General what consideration he has given to the possibility of the Post Office itself producing in one or more of the vacant factories in the North East some of the telephone equipment which will be required for his recently announced expanded investment programme.

Mr. Mawby

In general, the Post Office does not itself manufacture telephone equipment, but obtains this from the industry. My right hon. Friend believes that this policy, which is of long standing, is right. I should add that some of the factories engaged in manufacturing equipment for the Post Office are located in the North East.

Mr. Fernyhough

When the Postmaster-General discussed his expansion programme with the firms who make the equipment—he informed me last week that he was keeping close liaison with them—did he ask them whether they would expand in the development areas? If he did, can he tell me what their answer was? If their answer was in the negative, can he say why, if the Government are really intent upon bringing employment to people who are at present unemployed in the development areas, the Government are inhibited and so doctrinaire about this policy?

Mr. Mawby

All I can say is that some of the companies that carry out contracts for us have factories, for instance, in East Kilbride, Sunderland, Birtley, Hartlepool, Liverpool and Airdrie. They are some of the factories which are operated by contractors working on our behalf.

Mr. Fernyhough

Could the hon. Gentleman give the percentage of the total amount of work which is done in the areas he has mentioned, so that we can see whether these expanding firms are making a contribution to providing additional employment in the development areas?

Mr. Mawby

This information would be difficult for us to obtain, because the Post Office is an organisation which is asking for products to be manufactured. Naturally we give all assistance possible and special consideration to development areas, but I think it would be wrong for us to call upon each manufacturer to give us many more details which, in fact, are nothing to do with us.