HC Deb 10 November 1938 vol 341 cc271-3
69. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the present position of the Lancashire Site Company; and what steps have been taken, if any, to establish new industries in the depressed areas of the county Palatine?

70. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many site companies have been established under the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937; how many factories have been built by these companies; the number employed at these factories; and the total amount spent by the Government in connection with these site companies?

Captain Dugdale (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. The Treasury have received no applications for assistance to site companies other than the Lancashire Industrial Sites Company, the capital of which was finally subscribed about three months ago. The Treasury have agreed to find £64,166, one-quarter of the total capital of this company. The hon. Members will appreciate that the day to day progress of a site company's work is primarily the concern of its management. I understand, however, that the company is actively pursuing its objective and is in negotiation with a number of prospective tenants, though no factories have yet actually been built.

Mr. Rhys Davies

I am sorry to put this question to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but would he ask his right hon. Friend how comes it about that the Treasury undertakes this task of dealing with the unemployment problem in Lancashire; and would he be good enough to tell us whether, since the site company in Lancashire has been established, it has done anything whatever except writing letters and publishing pamphlets?

Captain Dugdale

I will bring the points of the hon. Gentleman to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend this position, that in 1937, when this Act was brought before this House, views were expressed that it would give new hope to those areas outside the boundaries of Special Areas; and, in view of the fact that only one site company has been formed and has not yet built any factory at all, will he reconsider the whole question, as the Act is a farce?

Sir J. Nall

Is it not the fact that the site company is ancillary to the Lancashire Development Council, and that that council has in fact secured the establishment of many industries in that county?