11. Mr. Slaterasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent he has considered the prevailing shortage of employment opportunities for adults and juveniles in the Sedge field constituency in his short-term and long-term plans for the North-East.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethMy noble Friend has taken full account of the present position and prospects for employment in all parts of the region.
Mr. SlaterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply is anything but satisfactory? Is he further aware that just before last weekend 300 men finished in the Ferryhill area, which is within the Sedgefield constituency? This is happening not only in that part of the constituency but in other parts, too. Is the hon. Gentleman further aware that while he has already mentioned the training centre at Tursdale, we could do with more of these in the North-East and particularly in the Sedgefield constituency to accommodate many of the young people who are leaving school?
§ Mr. FreethI fully agree that the hon. Gentleman's constituency has a higher rate of unemployment than a number of other areas in the region, but I think the constituency should benefit from the extensive site clearance work on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate, from the advance factory already announced for Aycliffe, and also the scheduling of the whole of Tees-side as a development district.
Mr. SlaterWhile one can agree with the answer to the supplementary question, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that, although the advance factory is to come to Aycliffe, we have had a factory standing idle on the trading estate at Aycliffe for a considerable time? What is being done about it?
§ Mr. FreethThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Budget gave special tax concessions for the installation of plant and equipment in development districts.