HC Deb 09 July 1936 vol 314 cc1368-9
9. Mr. W. JOSEPH STEWART

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the tendency of industry to move towards the south, where the population is reaching saturation point, the Government are prepared to help the starting of new industries in the Special Areas by clearing derelict factories and erecting new ones, so as to make those areas more attractive and able to compete better with areas where industries have been started in better surroundings?

Mr. E. BROWN

I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to paragraphs 68 to 79 of the second report of the Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales), Cmd. 5090. The hon. Member is no doubt aware of the arrangements that have been made for establishing trading estates and of the facilities offered by Special Areas Reconstruction Association, Limited.

Mr. STEWART

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the Survey of Industrial Development issued by the Board of Trade in 1933, new factories were started in this country which, in 1932 and 1933, gave employment to over 83,000 people, only 900 of whom found work in Durham, Northumberland, and the North Riding of Yorkshire; and are he and his Government prepared to do anything to stop this trek of industry south?

Mr. BROWN

We are trying to do all we can.

Mr. DALTON

When is the first trading estate going to be established?

Mr. BROWN

I cannot say at the moment.

35. Mr. SHINWELL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the company formed under the Special Areas Reconstruction Act has commenced operations; and how many applications have been received for assistance to start new industries in the county of Durham?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I am informed that 63 applications have been received relating to the North East Special Area as a whole. It is not possible to state with certainty how many of these relate to the county of Durham since many of the applications are not precise as to locality, nor is it possible to say at present how many of these relate to new industries.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that speed is of the essence of the matter, and urge the company that has been formed to proceed with the utmost expedition?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am sure they are doing that but, though speed may be one of the factors, it is also very desirable to have proper investigation made of the applications.

Mr. DALTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the extension of existing businesses will be permissible?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already said that, but I think that this question relates to new industries.

Mr. MABANE

Can my right hon. Friend say how much capital is represented by this application?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir.

Mr. WATKINS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what these three cases mean in the terms of fresh employment for unemployed people?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Obviously, not until they have been investigated.