HC Deb 04 July 1939 vol 349 cc1107-8
32. Mr. Day

asked the President of the Board of Trade for particulars, according to the reports obtained for the purpose of the annual survey of industrial development, of the number of factories that have been established in distressed areas in the 12 months ended the last convenient date?

40. Mr. Leonard

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of new factories opened in the distressed areas of Scotland in the years 1937 and 1938, and the number opened in Great Britain in the same time?

Mr. Stanley

So far as such establishments can be identified from the returns which have been received in connection with the Survey of Industrial Development, 23 factories were opened in the Special Areas in 1937 and 61 in 1938, of which 4 and 14 respectively, were situated in Scotland. The Survey takes account only of factories employing 25 or more workpeople.

Mr. Day

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many persons have obtained employment in these factories?

Mr. Stanley

Not without notice.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that some of the semi-depressed areas get a factory or two now and again?