HC Deb 13 March 1963 vol 673 cc1335-6
12. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Labour how many workers are unemployed in the Bishop Auckland travel-to-work area; and how many of these are being or are about to be retrained.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 11th February, 1963, there were 4,504 unemployed in the Bishop Auckland travel-to-work area. Twenty-two persons from this area are in training under Government vocational training schemes, six are awaiting training and 11 applications are under consideration.

Mr. Boyden

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is the thirteenth successive month in which the unemployment figures have increased? Is he further aware that these training figures are pitiable? Will he consider locating a Government training centre in Bishop Auckland and taking similar steps to retrain at least some of the men?

Mr. Whitelaw

My right hon. Friend will be extremely glad to know that he has the support of the hon. Member for the expansion of adult retraining. The hon. Member will also know that a new training centre is being set up at Tursdale which, I think, will serve the Bishop Auckland travel-to-work area. In reply to the hon. Member's comment about the figures going up for 13 months, let us hope that they will go down in the fourteenth.

Mr. Ainsley

In view of the figures which have been given for the Bishop Auckland area, which includes Crook and the whole of the West, will the Minister now reconsider his decision on the restriction at Tursdale to take in only 24 trainees when he can make full use of the Brancepeth Camp scheme, which could be enlarged and would meet the needs of the problem in the West?

Mr. Whitelaw

The hon. Member is not entirely correct in mentioning a figure of only 24 for Tursdale. That figure refers to apprenticeship training, but there are training places planned at Tursdale for 98 adults.

Mr. Boyden

Has the Minister any idea of the travelling difficulties for people in places like Copley, Evenwood and West Auckland to travel to work to Tursdale?

Mr. Whitelaw

Yes. As I know that part of the world and come from not far from it, I certainly have.

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