§ 87 Mr. Mackasked the President of the Board of Trade what further steps have been taken to promote and stimulate suitable industry in the Audley and Halmerend area of North Staffordshire, in view of the growth of unemployment there.
§ Mr. BelcherThe Board of Trade is continuing to make every effort to provide a more diversified industrial structure in the Potteries district of North Staffordshire, of which Audley and Halmerend form part. The three Government owned factories in the Potteries district which have been allocated for civilian production will, when in full production, provide work for nearly 4,000 workers. In addition, 16 firms covering a wide range of production have been introduced into the area and will eventually provide employment for a further 2,500 workers. A considerable number of extensions to existing factories have also been approved. All these developments should provide employment for many persons in the Audley and Halmerend district who normally travel into the Potteries district to work. Although no new factory building schemes have been approved for Audley itself, a site has now been found for industrial development which should be capable of providing employment for 500–600 persons. Negotiations with industrialists with a view to erecting factories on this site are proceeding.