HC Deb 28 March 1933 vol 276 cc823-4
3. Mr. PRICE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a further statement concerning the progress which has been made in establishing new industries in the distressed areas for the purpose of mitigating unemployment?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)

Certain infor- mation has already been given with regard to the establishment of new undertakings in this country by, or with the assistance of foreign concerns, in the replies to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hacking) on 19th December, 1932, and to the hon. Member for Swansea, West (Mr. L. Jones) on 2nd June, 1932. These statements have not, however, included particulars of new undertakings established by British concerns and arrangements have been made by the Board of Trade, in co-operation with the Home Office, for the collection of information regarding all new undertakings, whether British or foreign, of substantial size established in this country since the beginning of the year 1932. This information is being collected primarily with the idea of ascertaining the extent to which new businesses are being established in the depressed areas where new industrial development is so urgently required. A considerable amount of work is involved, however, in the collection of this information, and I am unable at the present time to say when I shall be able to communicate it to the House.

Mr. BATEY

Have there been any new industries established in the distressed areas? Would it take any time to schedule them?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir. There have been a considerable number established.

Mr. BATEY

In the North of England? I do not know of any.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the information be published in convenient form for use? Will it include a statement of the numbers of British workers who have been employed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I shall be ready to give as full information as I can. The most convenient way to do that would be in answer to an unstarred question, which could be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Have some of these new industries been established in Derby?