§ 17. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Employment which projects for which his Department is responsible are being considered for location in Peterlee New Town.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithMy right hon. Friend is considering setting up a job centre separate from the present employment exchange.
§ Mr. DormandThat at least is more encouragement than the information I am usually given when I raise matters affecting the new town in my constituency. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although Peterlee is the most attractive and best-designed new town in the country, with a dedicated staff and board, it is still attracting less employment than any other new town? Will he do something about this, particularly in view of the fact that there has been a pit closure in recent months? Finally, does he agree that the most immediate and the most important way of doing something about it is to transfer a Government Department or agency? Would not his Department show an example by doing that?
§ Mr. SmithI agree with a good deal of what the hon. Gentleman has said. He knows that the transfer of Government Departments—a matter on which he has been making assiduous representations— is not one for me. The response to the training facilities in the area is fairly poor from Peterlee, which gives us some concern. Anything that the hon. Gentleman can do to encourage his constituents to take up the opportunities which are there would be appreciated.