§ Mr. Edward Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade what new industries have been brought to North Staffordshire during the last two years; what are their employment capacity for men and women, respectively; and what further plans are in hand, or contemplated, to absorb the surplus manpower and provide greater diversity of employment.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe Government, having regard to the need for creating greater industrial diversity in North Staffordshire, have, during the last two years, allocated Government factories to civilian production and approved new industrial building schemes in this area which, when in full 15W production, should provide work for about 11,000 persons (5,500 men and 5,500 women). The details are as follow:
Four Government factories, with an area of nearly 1 million square feet, have been allocated to civilian production. In addition, another Government factory of 70,000 square feet is shortly to be allocated. These factories, when in full production, should employ more than 4,000 persons (1,500 men and 2,500 women). The products involved are cables, and wires, electrical apparatus and appliances and components for the motor and aircraft industries. In addition, the Royal Ordnance factories at Radway Green and Swynnerton are continuing in production and now employ 3,950 persons (2,550 men and 1,400 women). The Government has also steered 16 new industries to North Staffordshire and it is estimated that these, when in full production, should provide work for more than 3,000 persons (1,500 men and 1,500 women). Among the products to be made are agricultural implements, vehicles, metal cabinets, light alloys and silk.
I can assure my hon. Friend that the Board of Trade will press on with their task of providing North Staffordshire with a better balanced industrial structure. The immediate difficulty is the provision of suitable sites free from subsidence, a task in which local authorities can render invaluable assistance.