§ 20. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what expenditure has been incurred by the Government in providing and equipping industrial factories at Hillington and at other and what places in Scotland, respectively, up to 31st March, 1938, or other convenient date?
§ Mr. ElliotThe provision and equipment of factories at Hillington is being undertaken by Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, a company limited by guarantee and having no share capital, financed by loans from the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland. The sums advanced to the company by the Commissioner at 31st March, 1938, amounted to £247,213 5s. A factory is also under construction at Barrhead which will be let on completion to an industrial undertaking. The amount spent as at 31st March, 1938, was £1,792 11s. No expenditure has been incurred by the Commissioner up to date on any other factory.
§ Mr. GibsonInstead of expending money on these new sites, would it not be better to make use of sites like that of the old Caird shipyard and so save this expenditure?
§ Mr. ElliotEnormous sums of Government money are already being spent in Greenock, and the hon. and learned Member must not be greedy.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member is not asking for further expenditure, but is very anxious to save public funds to the tune of over £250,000?