§ Mr. Randallasked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he is giving to the addition of Gateshead to the schedule under the Local Employment Act, 1960, in view of the 6.7 per cent. rate of total unemployment and the rate of 8.8 per cent. of men unemployed.
§ Mr. ErrollThe rate of wholly unemployed in the Gateshead and Felling group of employment exchange areas was 5.4 per cent. in January, but has averaged 3.5 per cent. for the past 12 months. There are over 1,000 jobs in prospect in the area, and I should not be justified in adding it at present to the list of development districts. I shall, however, continue to watch the position.