§ Q9. Mr. Haymanasked the Prime Minister whether he will now make an official visit to Cornwall to study its special economic difficulties, with a view to early action.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I hope that the measures now being taken to stimulate the economy generally will help to solve the economic difficulties of Cornwall. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is doing everything possible to encourage more industrial development there.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Prime Minister aware that unemployment has increased in west Cornwall since his unofficial visit on 30th November, that west Cornwall has had more persistent unemployment than any other part of Britain, and that uncertainty about the future of the main railway line through Cornwall is causing a good deal of anxiety? Will he give an assurance that the main line from Plymouth to Penzance at least will be retained?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is a rather different question. As regards the problems of Cornwall, many parts of the county are covered by the Local Employment Act, and I am informed that about 1,000 jobs are now in process of being produced by means of it.