HC Deb 18 October 1971 vol 823 cc359-61
23. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further plans he has to meet the requests of the North-West Industrial Development Association.

The Minister for Industry (Sir John Eden)

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has agreed to meet representatives of the Association on 29th October.

Mr. Tilney

Is the Minister aware that no single action is more likely to help employment in the North-West than a decision by the British Steel Corporation to put down a new plant at Shotton, which would also provide a great boost to the port of Liverpool?

Sir J. Eden

As my hon. Friend knows, the future development of the steel industry is currently being considered by the Government in consultation with the industry.

Mr. Sheldon

Will the Minister take note of the representations made by the North-West Industrial Development Association over many years that many areas of the North-West should become intermediate development areas with employment possibilities, considering that the level of unemployment at present is so high as to make the area even worse than the development areas themselves were quite recently?

Sir J. Eden

Yes, Sir; I am aware of these representations but there are no plans at present to add to the total number of assisted areas. At present, what we are badly short of is enough mobile industry to meet the requirements of those areas which are exceptionally in need.

Sir R. Cary

With regard to unemployment in the Manchester area, is my hon. Friend aware that I have received a letter from the Chairman of the British Steel Corporation informing me that the second half of the scheme to close completely the Irlam steel works is to be abandoned for reconsideration? Could he elaborate on this matter, because it seems to me that there is a chance of saving the jobs of at least 2,000 of those men?

Sir J. Eden

The British Steel Corporation and the trade unions have reached agreement on Stage I of the rudown of the Irlam works. They have also agreed that Stage II of the rundown should be withdrawn while they consider alternative proposals.

Mr. Tom Price

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since I have been an active member of the North-West Industrial Development Association for many years I have been closely associated with the pleas made, not only to the present Government but to their predecessors, about the deteriorating situation in Lancashire? With the rundown of coal, cotton and textiles, industries in the area have been constantly going downhill, and nothing has been put in their place to provide employment. In fact, unemployment in parts of South Lancashire at present is running much above the national average. Will the hon. Gentleman and his Department give further urgent consideration to meeting the demand—which is bound to be made when the deputation comes down from Lancashire in a few weeks' time to discuss the matter with the Prime Minister—to give the area intermediate area status, and would he consider giving some Government assistance to alleviate the situation which now prevails in Lancashire?

Sir J. Eden

The measures which have been taken so far this year to stimulate investment and growth in the economy have been on a totally unprecedented scale. We have never had measures on this scale before and they will greatly benefit the area.