§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) in view of the high unemployment existing 269W in the Dearne Valley constituency, what action he intends to take to find suitable jobs for the unemployed people there;
(2) if he is aware that the existing high unemployment in the Dearne Valley constituency will be further increased by the closure of the Wombwell Main Colliery; and what steps he is taking in consultation with other Departments to ensure that new industries are brought into the Dearne Valley constituency.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyI am aware that the National Coal Board proposes to close Wombwell Main Colliery. It is hoped that many men will be reemployed within the industry.
We will continue to follow a liberal policy on industrial development certificates in the area. The problems of South Yorkshire are within the terms of reference of the Hunt Committee, whose recommendations are now being closely considered by the Government.