Oral Answers to Questions — Durham County.

– in the House of Commons am ar 9 Mawrth 1939.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr John Leslie Mr John Leslie , Sedgefield

asked the Minister of Labour what industries have been set up in the derelict villages in the county of Durham, the nature of the industries, the number of adults, and the number of young persons employed?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

In reply to the first and second parts of his question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to him on 13th December, which gave particulars up to that date of the factories established outside the trading estate. Since then a further undertaking has been established at Pallion to manufacture acetylene. I have not the information to answer the third and fourth parts of the question, but I am making inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.

Photo of Mr Joseph Batey Mr Joseph Batey , Spennymoor

What is the right hon. Gentleman going to do in the bulk of these mining villages in Durham where no industries have been set up?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

Continue our efforts with greater intensity.

Photo of Mr John Leslie Mr John Leslie , Sedgefield

Is it not the case that the reply to my previous question showed that the total number employed was only 839 and that most of them were children?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

The total number is a list of some dozen individual undertakings. I suggest to the hon. Member that the best way of getting more there is to be grateful to those that come.

Photo of Mr Joseph Batey Mr Joseph Batey , Spennymoor

Is not this the question, when are the Government going to get a move on?

Photo of Mr Edward Williams Mr Edward Williams , Ogwr

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that coal mines are being closed down more quickly than new industries are being started?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

I would not accept that as a complete statement of the case.

Photo of Sir John Haslam Sir John Haslam , Bolton

Would it not be advisable for new industries to be set up in districts where they would be appreciated?