HC Deb 16 November 1967 vol 754 cc157-8W
30. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is satisfied that the phasing of the closure of pits in mining areas and the introduction of new male-employing industry is adequate to ensure no substantial or prolonged increase in unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Shore

The Government believe that the measures adopted for the Development Areas as a whole will not only compensate for the continued rundown of manpower in their older industries, including colliery closures, but will bring over a period of years the average unemployment levels much closer to those of the rest of the country. The problems of areas particularly adversely affected by colliery closures will be dealt with by the arrangements for Special Development Areas announced in my speech in the Debate on the Address on 1st November last and by the President of the Board of Trade's reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. G. Elfed Davies) on 14th November.—[Vol. 754, c. 84–6.]