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asked the Minister of Labour how many people were employed in the factories on the Pallion Trading Estate, Sunderland, on 31st March, 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1954.
The numbers of persons employed in the factories on the Pallion Trading Estate at the end of March were as follow: 1951–3,340; 1952–2,959; 1953–3,392; 1954–3,617.
Do these figures not show that during the period of office of this Government there has been considerable extension in the work done and employment available on the trading estates?
Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman compared these figures with those for previous years? Would he not agree that the figures are very disturbing? We are very concerned that two factories are vacant. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do all he can to assist the President of the Board of Trade to improve the position in Sunderland?
I shall certainly do my best to assist the President of the Board of Trade. I will look back to the figures for earlier years, but I find some comfort in the rising number of persons employed on the trading estates in the last few years.
Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, in spite of the fact that two factories were closed, there has been increasing employment in the last few months?