HC Deb 01 May 1934 vol 289 cc128-9
13. Dr. McLEAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will give to the House the result of the survey of industrial development in the United Kingdom since January, 1933, to which reference was made in the Board of Trade Journal of 29th June, 1933?

33. Mr. STOURTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factories were erected during the year 1933 and the number of people it is estimated they give employment to?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

A recent survey has been made by the Board of Trade, in co-operation with the Factory Department of the Home Office and with the Ministry of Labour, of factories engaged in the manufacture or processing of goods for sale, but excluding factories engaged in the provision of services. The survey has been confined to factories employing 25 or more workers each.

During the year 1933, 409 factories falling within this description were closed down. On the other hand, 463 new factories were opened during the year employing at the end of December, 29,500 workers. There are also recorded 95 cases of factory extensions during the year.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabular statement snowing the distribution of these undertakings by districts.

Region. New Factories. Employment. Factory Extensions. Factories closed down.
South and South West England 20 1,150 4 10
Greater London … … 220 13,450 25 107
Wales … … 2 450 — 2
The Midlands … … 63 3,450 27 94
Eastern Counties … … 17 1,850 8 12
North West England … … 94 6,200 17 109
North East England … … 33 1,750 10 46
Scotland … … 14 1,200 4 29
Total … … 463 29,500 95 409