§ Mr. Gunterasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has given consideration to the memorandum submitted to his Department's eastern regional office by the Billericay Urban District Council on 24th July, 1946; and, in view of the prewar depression that existed in this area, when unemployment in the Pitsea area averaged 43 per cent. of the insured population during 1938, if he will give consideration to the necessity for the introduction of industries into this urban area.
§ Sir S. CrippsYes, Sir. I think that some new industry is desirable, and I would be prepared to agree to the establishment in the district of firms which are moving out from the congested parts of the London area, which would employ predominantly male labour and which can satisfy the Board of Trade that there are good reasons why they cannot move to a development area. Five schemes with a total floor area of 40,600 sq. ft. have already been approved and a number of further projects are under examination.
Average earnings of all coal miners, April to June, 1946. Area Average per week. Average per shift Cash earnings. Value of allowances in kind. Total. Cash earnings. Value of allowances in kind. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. England (excluding Monmouth) 5 17 10 4 11 6 2 9 1 4 6 1 0 1 5 6 Scotland 6 4 5 1 6 6 5 11 1 2 1 0 3 1 2 4 Wales (including Monmouth) 5 9 10 4 0 5 13 10 1 2 0 0 9 1 2 9 Great Britain 5 17 3 4 4 6 1 7 1 3 10 0 10 1 4 8