HC Deb 13 November 1952 vol 507 cc1097-8
13. Mr. Peart

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been made for new factories and factory extensions in the West Cumberland Development Area; and how many licences to build have been granted.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

According to the latest available figures, 55 applications have been made and 50 building licences granted since the beginning of 1945. These figures relate to projects of 5,000 square feet or over for new factories and extensions to existing factories; and they exclude projects which are known to have lapsed.

Mr. Peart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have factories in course of construction at present in the West Cumberland area? Is he further aware that the Labour Government had plans to attract a further 10,000 workers into that area for employment. Is he also aware that one factory dismissed 200 workers only recently? Would he investigate that matter?

Mr. Thorneycroft

This Question is restricted to how many licences to build have been granted, and that I have answered.

Mr. Peart

Will the President bear in mind the points I have mentioned, because we have a fear that, despite what he has said, our plans will be frustrated?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman, if he wants to know about other things, will put Questions down.

14. Mr. Peart

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of factory building licensed for each Development Area, respectively, for 1952.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

As the answer contains a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Peart

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in his plans for the Development Areas new factory building will not be frustrated by the circular which has been issued by the Minister of Housing and Local Government—Circular 54/52—which refers to Section 3 of the Distribution of Industry Act and which states that grants are to be cut down for important service?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That is a wholly different question from that on the Paper.

Mr. Peart

It is very important as it affects factory building.

Following is the answer:

NEW FACTORY PROJECTS WITH AN AREA OF OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET FOR NEW FACTORIES AND EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING FACTORIES.
Development Area Number of projects licensed 1st January, 1952, to 30th September, 1952 Area ('000 sq. ft.)
Scottish 15 432
North Eastern 20 604
West Cumberland 2 115
South Lancashire 6 95
Merseyside 10 1,131
Wrexham — —
South Wales and Monmouthshire 30 498