Mr William Owen: asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning participation in the proposed European Security Conference; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr William Owen: asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he now expects to receive and lay before the House the report on selective employment tax by Professor Reddaway; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr William Owen: asked the Prime Minister if he will set up an interdepartmental inquiry into the varying trade agreements with nations in the European Eastern zone with the object of normalising trade relations and reaping the advantages of expansion in this market; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr William Owen: My right hon. Friend, by long experience, knows the problems and the vital importance of East-West trade. Is he aware that, with scientific and technical progress, forward planning is vital? Is he further aware of the approach of the German Democratic Republic for a long-term trade agreement, and that such an agreement would be of considerable advantage to the export trades of these...
Mr William Owen: (by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the rail accident at Morpeth earlier today.
Mr William Owen: I am sure that the House will join with me in my right hon. Friend's expression of sympathy to the relatives of those who have lost their lives or who have been injured in this regrettable accident. It is at this moment too early to comment upon the cause of the accident, but I hope that the inquiry will help to remove some of the rumours circulating this morning. I am sure that the House...
Mr William Owen: I associate myself with the tributes which have been paid to my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Fred Evans) for initiating this debate and, in particular, on the breadth of his Motion. The Minister, who has been kind enough to sit with us throughout the debate so far, has received a considerable amount of advice and guidance on the action he should take to tackle this problem. My...
Mr William Owen: asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will now make a progress report on the over-all planning progress of the Northern Region.
Mr William Owen: The whole of the North-East will welcome the opportunity to examine proposals which may emerge in the suggested plan. Is my right hon. Friend aware that the experience of effective planning over recent years has not been too encouraging? Is he further aware that in South-East Northumberland, particularly in the Ashington-New-biggin-Broomhill area, there is urgent need for recognition that...
Mr William Owen: asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether a decision has now been reached on an alternative use for the Royal Air Force Station at Acklington, Northumberland; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr William Owen: Is my right hon. Friend aware that the closure of this excellent R.A.F. station is deplorable, especially as it is situated in a special development area? May I inquire whether it is possible to utilise the facilities there to meet the requirements of the forces being withdrawn from east of Suez.
Mr William Owen: asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many school-leavers are at present signing for employment at the employment exchanges in Ashington and Morpeth in the county of Northumberland; and what action is being taken to assist them.
Mr William Owen: I hope that my hon. Friend will not be too complacent about the growth of unemployment among school-leavers. Is he aware that with the decline in the mining industry recruitment in that field is now limited? Would he consider the establishment of an East Northumberland Training Centre so that these young people may have some assurance of employment as new industry unfolds?
Mr William Owen: asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken to assist the Borough of Morpeth in dealing with its need for flood protection; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr William Owen: While welcoming the statement, and I am sure this will be welcomed by the Borough of Morpeth, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that some of these citizens have suffered flood damage four times in the last 11 months, and would he be good enough to give consideration to the possibility of giving some special assistance in this respect?
Mr William Owen: Is my right hon. Friend aware that nine advance factories in the North-East are not occupied? As an essential feature of the whole problem is forward planning, what steps are the Government taking to survey these factories and, if private enterprise does not respond, to encourage public enterprise to develop?
Mr William Owen: asked the President of the Board of Trade how many advance factories are still untenanted in the Northern Region; and what action is being taken to ensure a tenancy either private or public service.
Mr William Owen: While we recognise that the Ministry's efforts in the establishment of advance factories have been commendable, is not my hon. Friend aware that at the moment there are some of these factories which have been empty for more than 12 months? If private enterprise cannot be induced to take this opportunity, should not public enterprise be encouraged to do so?
Mr William Owen: In recognition of the complexity of the scheme which my hon. Friend has outlined, what provision is made for an appeal committee or machinery to be set up to deal with the difficulties that undoubtedly will arise?
Mr William Owen: The enterprise of my hon. Friend the Member for Wallsend (Mr. Garrett) has accorded the House an opportunity for a massive demonstration of "We back the Northern Region". I hope that my right hon. Friend will have gathered the urgency of the need for major Government intervention to translate some of the valid suggestions made today into immediate action and some of the terrifying anxieties...