§ 28. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Technology if he will indicate the number of new jobs definitely listed for the Blyth constituency in 1970; and what account has been taken of pending pit closures in this estimate.
§ Mr. VarleyJobs in prospect expected to arise during the next four years in the Blyth constituency in authorised new industrial buildings and in existing buildings taken over by manufacturing industry are estimated to be 3,490, including 2,480 for males. I regret it is not known how many of these will become available during 1970. The Government's regional policy in areas such as Blyth takes account of the need for new jobs to make good losses resulting from pit closures.
§ Mr. MilneI thank my hon. Friend for that reply about the number of jobs listed, but is he aware that the period is four years, and that there is a degree of urgency about this matter? Will his Department look into the possibility of seeing that the bulk of these jobs is available during the next few months?
§ Mr. VarleyI am sorry that I cannot give more precise information, or the precise information asked for by my hon. Friend, but I shall look into the point raised by him.