§ 58. Mr. Bottomleyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the unemployment position in Middlesbrough; and what steps he is taking to encourage suitable industry to go to the district.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend is aware that there has been a recent rise in unemployment on Tees-side. But, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour said on 12th March, it should fall again as soon as demand for iron and steel recovers. My right hon. Friend's first obligation in steering new industrial development is, of course, to the areas of high and persistent unemployment, but he would be prepared to consider further development in Middlesbrough by firms which cannot go to such areas.