§ 14. Mr. Rhodesasked the President of of the Board of Trade if he is satisfied with the number of new jobs brought to the North-East during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayI am certainly not yet satisfied, but we have been making good progress. Projects covered by industrial development certificates issued in the 12 months to 31st October, 1965, are expected to provide over 23,000 new jobs. We shall continue our efforts to bring more work to the region, and to help the areas affected by pit closures.
§ Mr. RhodesWill by right hon. Friend now repudiate that minority of shortsighted industrialists who are claiming that the area has been over-sold? Is he aware that recently demands to set up new factories in the area have been withdrawn because industrialists have been misled into thinking that there was a shortage of labour?
§ Mr. Derek PageIs my hon. Friend aware that under the Local Employment Acts as at present drafted, the flow of I.D.Cs. to the North-East draws work away, not only from areas that could well afford it, but from other areas, such as East Anglia and Dorset, which due to their low incomes need factories?
§ Mr. JayI am sure that my hon. Friend knows that we pay regard to the reasonable requirements of all areas.
§ Mr. HoggCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any news on what progress is being made in the proposed new industrial estate in the Tees valley?