HC Deb 04 March 1952 vol 497 c33W
73. Mr. F. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of persons, men and women, separately, were employed in North-Eastern Trading Company factories in Sunderland on 1st November, 1951, and on 1st February, 1952.

Mr. H. Strauss

The comparable dates for which official statistics are available are 30th September, 1951, and 5th January, 1952. On the 30th September, 1951, 1,470 males and 4,074 females, making a total of 5,544, were employed in factories in the Sunderland area administered by the North-Eastern Trading Estates; corresponding figures for the 5th January, 1952, were 1,257 males and 3,592 females, making a total of 4,849.

75. Mr. F. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking in view of the recent fall in the number of persons employed in the factories administered by the North-Eastern Trading Estates, Ltd.

Mr. H. Strauss

The recent fall in the number of persons employed in these factories is due mainly to the current decline in general demand for textiles and clothing. My right hon. Friend is watching the position closely in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Labour.

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, employment in these factories on 5th January, 1952, was over 3,000 more than a year ago.