HC Deb 29 July 1965 vol 717 cc670-1
26. Mr. Heffer

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he will take to ensure employment for technicians in the Merseyside area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jay

I am not aware of any problem of employment for technicians on Merseyside requiring special action by me at the present time.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Automatic Telephone Co. is proposing to take a section of its works to Poole? Does not this cut across the declared policy of the Government—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."]—to expand work on Merseyside, which is a development area? Would my right hon. Friend—[Interruption.]—would my right hon. Friend look into this matter to ensure that something is done to overcome this difficulty, because certain Government contracts may well be affected as a result of the uncertainty?

Mr. Jay

I shall be very glad to look into this, but I understand that telephone manufacturing activity in Liverpool as a whole is increasing. Unemployment on Merseyside is now lower than for a very long time, but I will certainly examine what my hon. Friend had said.

Mr. Heffer

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. During my supplementary question, there was constant interruption from the opposite side of the House which prevented hon. Members hearing what was being said. Is this the usual practice in the House?

Mr. Speaker

I hope that hon. Members on both sides will remember (a) to speak audibly and (b) to listen quietly. In that way we shall get on better.

Mr. Tilney

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind that what is really wanted on Merseyside is a large number of small factories to be let, and that it is these which are most likely to require technicians?

Mr. Jay

Yes, Sir, I agree; and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the particulars about certain factories which he has sent to us.