§ 39. Lord John Hopeasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government has taken to put into practice its plans for the location of light industries in the development area of the county of Midlothian.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to his Question on 13th February. The employment needs of the district to which he refers are being met by industrial developments approved for Bathgate, Broxburn and Linlithgow. In addition, the district supplies a substantial volume of labour to Edinburgh which is within fairly easy daily travelling distance.
§ Lord John HopeIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that he has given me precisely the same answer as he gave before, and the answer he has given concerns, as it did before, West Lothian and has nothing whatever to do with Midlothian? Is he further aware that many thousands of men and women in Midlothian are very disappointed about the Government delays in the past on this matter, and are facing the future with a considerable amount of anxiety?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe present position is that there are 95 men and 21 women unemployed. I understand, which is not bigh
§ Lord John HopeBut the answer covers West Lothian and not Midlothian. The right hon. and learned Gentleman seems to know nothing about it.