§ 14. Mr. Daggarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Special Areas trading estates in Scotland; where situated; cost of establishment; number of factories erected on them; and the number of men, women, boys, and girls employed in these factories?
§ Mr. ColvilleOne large trading estate has been established at North Hillington in Renfrewshire. The sums advanced in respect of this estate by the Commissioner at present amount to £528,360. The estate is in process of development and up to date 88 factories have been erected on the estate of which 75 are already in occupation. I am informed that at 30th September last 520 males and 190 females were employed in these factories. In addition the Commissioner has recently acquired at a cost of £10,005 three smaller estates in Lanarkshire with the view to the erection of factories.
§ Mr. WestwoodCan the right hon. Gentleman say how many persons have been thrown on to the unemployment lists as the result of the employment of these individuals in the trading estates?
§ Mr. ColvilleI think the hon. Member is wrong in assuming that any persons have been thrown on to the unemployment lists from that cause.
§ Mr. WestwoodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as far as the light castings industry in the Midlands of Scotland is concerned, by the setting up of trading estates, and establishing these industries in the trading estates, you are causing unemployment in the centre of Scotland?
§ Mr. ColvilleI can hardly deal with the matter by question and answer, but the diversification of industry, which is 220 the effort towards which trading estates are directed, is very important to the trade of Scotland.
Mr. GibsonWill the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that there are available sites with population available, and that in view of that fact the setting up of these estates is uneconomic?