§ 12. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts he is making to find a tenant for the advance factory which is standing empty at Hare Law, Stanley, County Durham.
§ Sir J. EdenThis factory has been suggested to 54 firms, 22 of which have visited it. We shall continue our efforts to find a suitable occupant.
§ Mr. WatkinsIs the Minister aware that that answer is as discouraging as the one which I was given to the same Question on 18th January? Is he further aware that unemployment in this area is now 8½ per cent. and that there is a desperate urgency for jobs to be provided not only in this empty factory but in many other factories in the North-East?
§ Sir J. EdenI am well aware of the urgency of the situation. That is why we are pressing ahead as hard as we can with this matter. The hon. Gentleman will be encouraged to know that 29 of the suggestions and 12 of the visits, respectively, have taken place since 1st July, 1970. We remain hopeful that real interest will be shown in occupancy.