HC Deb 16 November 1937 vol 329 cc180-1
8. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money has been given to the Scottish Economic Committee from public funds to finance the purchase and development of the Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, at North Millington; what are the subsidies and other financial aids given to the new companies; is the financing done direct or through the agency of a bank and, if the latter, what bank is entrusted with the transactions; and how many new industries are likely to be started and how many men and women will he employed?

Mr. Elliot

The sums required for the purposes mentioned in the first part of the question are advanced directly by the Special Areas Commissioner to the Scottish Industrial Estates Company, Limited, the sums so far paid amounting to £72,213; no sum has been advanced through the Scottish Economic Committee. With regard to the financial aids to new undertakings, I am sending the hon. Member a publication issued jointly by the Special Area Commissioners in the two countries, which indicates the forms of assistance that are available. I am informed that any payments by the Commissioner are made direct to the undertaking concerned. While it is not possible to say how many new industries are likely to be started or how many persons will be employed, I am informed that factories on the estate have already been let to 18 undertakings, and that a large number of inquiries are at present before the company.

Mr. Davidson

I ask in the question whether it is done directly or through the agency of a bank. Can I have a reply?

Mr. Elliot

I have said that it is done direct to the undertaking concerned.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chairman of the Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, is also Chairman of the Union Bank of Scotland who has been very prominent in the question of anti-trade unionism; and can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this anti-trade unionism will not extend to the Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a relevant question.

Mr. Davidson

I would like to ask why the question of the attitude of the Chairman of the Scottish Estates, Limited, is not relevant to the future of the company?

Mr. Speaker

Obviously the question which the hon. Member is putting as a supplementary question will need a separate question, for it goes far beyond the question on the Paper.

Mr. Davidson

I was only asking whether the Secretary of State was aware of these facts, and I could have received a reply in the affirmative or the negative.

Mr. Speaker

That is quite true, but a great many questions are put beginning, "Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact," and they merely give information.