§ 29. Mr. LESLIEasked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been granted to foreign firms during the last five years for the establishment of factories and workshops in this country?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANDuring the four years 1932 to 1935, 219 factories, each employing 25 or more workpeople, were reported as established in this country by or with the assistance of foreign concerns. Corresponding particulars for the year 1931, or in respect of factories employing fewer than 25 workpeople, are not available. The establishment of factories is not subject to licence.
§ Mr. LESLIEHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of laying before the firms the excellent facilities that can be offered by distressed areas like Durham—excellent transport facilities by rail, road and sea?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANOh, yes, such information as is necessary to enable them to arrive at a decision in this matter is already available to them.