HC Deb 06 March 1967 vol 742 cc1046-7
46. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Labour what is the expected contraction of employment in the Northern Region's traditional industries during 1967 to 1969.

Mr. Fernyhough

I have no estimates for these years, but the Northern Economic Planning Council's recently published study contained employment estimates for the period up to 1971. These included a further substantial decline in coalmining, a small decline in metal manufacture and no change in shipbuilding and marine engineering. The study emphasised that the estimates were provisional and would be revised in the light of later developments.

Mr. Leadbitter

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Northern Economic Planning Council has estimated that there will be a provision of 40,000 new jobs, arising out of the building of new authorised industrial buildings in the next four years? Is he aware that it is the opinion of some of my hon. Friends that this is not sufficient to take up the unemployment which will take place in this region? Will he undertake to watch this matter very carefully?

Mr. Fernyhough

I will readily give my hon. Friend that assurance. As he will appreciate, I have a personal vested interest in the area.