§ 74. Mr. F. Willeyasked the President of the Board of Trade why there were 2,660 fewer persons working in the factories administered by the North Eastern Trading Estates Limited on 30th August, 1952, than on 30th September, 1951; and what further steps he is taking to provide greater employment in these factories.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThis decline in employment was the net result of decreases in factories making clothing, textiles, and miscellaneous consumer goods which was only partly offset by increases in the engineering, chemical, electrical and woodworking groups. Since May of this year the net decline has been only 187 or less than one-half of one per cent. of the number employed, and there have, in recent weeks, been indications of a significant decline in unemployment. We are continuing to give preference, wherever practicable, to the Development Areas.