§ 48. Mr. KENNETH LINDSAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new factories have been started in Scotland during the last two years; and whether he will consider, in conjunction with the special commissioner, taking practical steps to attract new industries to specially selected sites?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe number of new factories designed to afford employment to 25 or more workpeople which were opened in Scotland in 1932 was 20 and in 1933, 14. The numbers for 1934 are riot yet available. As regards the second part of the question His Majesty's Government are always ready to consider sympathetically any proposals relating to new industries that the Commissioners for the Special Areas may put forward. Among the practical steps already taken grants amounting to £23,300 have been made to the Scottish National Development Council from the Special Areas 1846 Fund in aid of schemes of industrial publicity and research on behalf of the Special Areas in Scotland.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures showing the other side of the picture and tell us how many factories have been closed in the same period?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI should require notice of that question.