§ 56. Mr. Leadbitterasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new jobs are expected to be provided in Hartlepool during the next year arising 544 from new factory units and extensions; and what other long-term plans he has for the area.
§ Mr. DarlingNo precise estimate is possible. Estimates given in the three years 1964 to 1966 by applicants for industrial development certificates in the Hartlepools and West Hartlepools Employment Exchange Areas for the additional employment when their projects are complete and fully manned, averaged about 1,800 a year. Hartlepool will continue to benefit from its inclusion in the Northern development area.
§ Mr. LeadbitterWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in three years the unemployment level in Hartlepool has fallen from 12½ per cent., the highest in the United Kingdom, to about 5.6 per cent. this month? We appreciate the Government's efforts to bring about this pleasing result, but will my right hon. Friend continue this special interest and, following what has been said earlier today, consider direct Government intervention to get the right kind of industry into the right kind of place?
§ Mr. DarlingWe shall do all we possibly can to persuade industrialists to consider Hartlepool, which has some great advantages for industrial development. Direct Government intervention is another question and would require very careful consideration.