HC Deb 19 February 1963 vol 672 cc25-6W
43. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the percentage of unemployed in Accrington is now 5.3; and whether he will schedule Accrington as a development district.

Mr. D. Price

My right hon. Friend is aware that the total number of registered unemployed in Accrington in January, including those temporarily stopped, represented a rate of 5.4 per cent. But the rate of wholly unemployed in January at 3.3 per cent. was well below the levels prevailing in development districts. He would not be justified in adding Accrington to the list of those areas eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Act.