HC Deb 15 April 1946 vol 421 cc2328-9
23. Commander Agnew

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken by his Department to bring to fruition the proposal to establish a new manufacturing industry near Carn Brea station in the urban district of Camborne-Redruth; and what is the present position with regard to the matter.

Mr. Belcher

If the hon. and gallant Member refers to the proposal that a well-known manufacturer of office machinery should establish a factory in the Camborne-Redruth district, the Board of Trade has been in the closest touch with the Urban District Council and with the firm, and has given both their full support. As to the second part of the Question, negotiations with regard to the provision of a suitable site for the factory are still proceeding, and I am in touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Town and Country Planning.

Commander Agnew

Is the hon. Gentle man aware that his right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning is holding up consummation of this project because he refuses to allow the local authority, the Camborne-Redruth Urban District Council, to sell the site to the company which wishes to erect a factory there, and says that they may only grant a lease? As the council are anxious to sell the site, will he, therefore, bring pressure to bear on the Minister of Town and Country Planning?

Mr. Belcher

It would be impossible for me to bring pressure to bear on my right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning, but my right hon. Friend will be receiving a deputation from the council shortly.

Mr. Charles Williams

Could the hon. Gentleman put pressure on the Government?