§ 41. Mr. STOURTONasked the President of the Board of Trade how many 1997 factories have been built since the inception of the National Government; the number of workers they employ; and the number of factories in course of construction?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAccording to a survey made by the Board of Trade of industrial development in 1932, 646 new factories were established in that year. The number of workers employed in these factories at the end of April, 1933, was 44,750. A similar survey for the year 1933 is in course of preparation but is not yet complete. I have no information as to the number of new factories established between the inception of the National Government and the end of 1931, nor as to the number of factories now in course of construction.
§ Mr. STOURTONCan my right hon. Friend state how many of these new enterprises are controlled by foreign capital?
Viscountess ASTORCan my right hon. Friend tell the House that he is considering the appointment of additional factory inspectors in view of the increased number of factories?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIn making surveys of this kind, will the right hon. Gentleman see that we also get figures and facts relating to the factories that have been closed?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the same question is put down with regard to factories that have been closed as with regard to factories that have been opened, I shall be glad to get the information.
§ Mr. MAXTONHow do the two figures compare? Are we up or down on the exchange?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWe are going up in every direction.
§ Mr. STOURTONMay I have an answer to my question, as to whether my right hon. Friend can explain how many of these new enterprises are controlled by foreign capital?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I could not do that without notice.