HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc261-2
Q5. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to the Humberside area during the present Session of Parliament.

The Prime Minister

I hope to do so again, Sir.

Mr. Johnson

I thank my right hon. Friend for that helpful and welcome answer, but would he also bear in mind, in remembering the affection shown him last week by his Liverpool and Bootle colleagues, that he is always welcome in Hull? But would he note that our unemployment is a little above that of Liverpool? Would he especially look at our difficulties in this respect when he does come?

The Prime Minister

I have to interpret Humberside not only as Hull but also as South Humberside, which I visited recently. It is because of anxieties expressed by my hon. Friend and by other hon. Members for these constituencies and our own studies of the matter that we have scheduled this area as an intermediate area. The Act under which this was done came into force only a few days ago. My hon. Friend will also know of the various recommendations in the Humberside Report which have been accepted by the Government and have been put into effect.

Mr. Tapsell

What has happened to the Humber Bridge which we were promised just before the last General Election?

The Prime Minister

If he followed this more carefully, the hon. Gentleman would know that the Government have announced that we intend to go ahead with the construction of the Humber Bridge.