§ 12. Mr. Fitchasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of closures of factories in the Wigan area, what plans he has to bring new industries there.
§ Sir J. EdenI am glad to note that there has been a small fall in the unemployment rate in Wigan over the last two to three months. I am confident that Wigan will share in the faster economic growth and greater employment 919 which the Government's policies are designed to achieve.
§ Mr. FitchYes, indeed. But is the Minister aware of the continuing contraction of the textile and engineering industries in Wigan? Cannot we have a more hopeful reply?
§ Sir J. EdenI can conceive of little more hopeful than the clear affirmation of the Government's determination to see that their policy leads to higher employment.