§ 5. Mr. Stonesasked the Minister of Labour how many persons in insurable occupations have left the Consett and Stanley employment areas to obtain employment elsewhere in each of the last two years; and how many of them had been engaged in the coalmining industry.
§ Mr. WhitelawI regret that this information is not available.
§ Mr. StonesWhile sharing the regret of the Parliamentary Secretary at the absence of the information for which I ask, may I ask him if he is aware that most of the people who have left the areas referred to did so because they had difficulty in finding employment? Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that there is to be a further reorganisation and contraction of the mining industry in those areas, which will compel many others to leave my division unless there is alternative industry provided therein? Further, is the hon. Gentleman aware that, despite the fact that the two areas are designated as development districts, nothing has materialised from that fact? Will the hon. Gentleman accept my assurance that my constituents will be very appreciative if he can do anything at all to expedite the provision of new industries there?
§ Mr. WhitelawI must give the same answer to the hon. Gentleman as I gave to his neighbour in answer to the previous Question. I think he will appreciate that there is no doubt that these areas will benefit from the concentration of special public investment along with all parts of the North-East.