§ Q7. Mr. Meacherasked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to South-East Lancashire.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. MeacherDespite his earlier answer, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of wholly unemployed in the North-West has risen by 52 per cent. in the last three months alone? Is he also aware that the rate of mill closures is at the unprecedented level of one a week, with five closing on one day last week? Is he aware that, at our present rate of imports, the home textile industry will cease to exist in five years with this present Government's policy? What does he propose to do to help the North-West?
§ The Prime MinisterI also expected to hear the hon. Gentleman welcome the reduction in unemployment in Oldham last month.