HC Deb 03 February 1970 vol 795 c204
26. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning whether he will make a statement on the discussions between the Northern Economic Planning Council and the Sunderland Borough Council about the provision of opportunities for employment in Sunderland.

Mr. Urwin

The planning council is currently awaiting the views of the county borough council on the suggestion made in the planning council's letter of 10th December, 1969, for joint action to encourage an increase in the supply of skilled labour in Sunderland as an additional attraction to new industry.

Mr. Willey

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he encourage those taking part in these discussions to expand them to a working party by including industrialists, employers and trade unionists?

Mr. Urwin

I regard that as a valuable suggestion, but at the moment the planning council is awaiting a reply from the county borough council from the standpoint of the proposition of sponsoring a special exhibition in Sunderland to stimulate interest in training within industry itself and at Government training centres. I take the point made by my right hon. Friend.