HC Deb 12 April 1965 vol 710 cc937-8
19. Mr. Stones

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were unemployed in each of the employment exchange areas of Consett and Stanley in the county of Durham at the last convenient date; and what percentage of the total insurable population in each of the two areas the figures represent.

Mr. Marsh

508 at Consett and 774 at Stanley on 8th March. The rate of unemployment at Consett was 2.6 per cent. A separate percentage rate cannot be quoted for the area of the Stanley Employment Exchange which forms a travel-to-work area with that of Lanchester. The rate for the combined area was 4.6 per cent.

Mr. Stones

I thank my hon. Friend for that information, but has he noted that the figures which he has just given for the Stanley area are about three times greater than the national average and have been so for a considerable time? Is he aware that there is much apprehension about future employment in both the Consett and Stanley areas, and will he take it that, if he and his right hon. Friend can do anything at all to induce the siting of newer industries in both areas, their efforts will be greatly appreciated by all concerned?

Mr. Marsh

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. His last point about the resiting of additional industrial activity in the area is, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.