HC Deb 09 February 1959 vol 599 cc153-4W
81 and 83. Mr. Snow

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) to what extent the pamphlet, Industry on the Move, and the Parliamentary Secretary's letter of 4th January addressed to employers, were issued in conjunction or after consultation with the National Coal Board, in view of the decision to close Cannock Chase No. 3 Pit at Chase Terrace, Staffordshire;

(2) what plans his Department have for absorbing surface workers and older men made redundant following the closure of Cannock Chase No. 3 Pit, Staffordshire.

Mr. J. Rodgers

I understand that, except for a small number of workers who will be retiring, or are unfit, all those who were employed at the Cannock Chase No. 3 Pit have been found jobs by the National Coal Board within the Cannock Chase area. The pamphlet and letter referred to were issued in order to make known the facilities available for businesses setting up in areas of high unemployment and were not in any way connected with the closure of this pit.

82. Mr. Snow

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make inquiries as to the inability of his Department to stimulate or produce light industry at Burntwood, Staffordshire, in spite of frequent representations which were initiated in 1951 with his Department, and which have been repeated subsequently, and in view of the closure of Cannock Chase No. 3 Pit, Staffordshire.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Priority in the steering of industry must be given to places where the unemployment problem is more serious than at Burntwood but I would be glad to see suitable firms from the vicinity of Birmingham set up in the district if they were unable to move further afield.