HC Deb 08 December 1953 vol 521 cc1786-7
18. Sir R. Boothby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in providing more industry for the Buckie-Peterhead area.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am very glad to announce that approval has been given to a project sponsored by my Department to the Development Commission whereby Scottish Industrial Estates Limited will erecta factory of 10,000 square feet for the Peter head Gear Manufacturing Company. This should provide very useful new employment in the area.

Sir R. Boothby

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for his encouraging reply, may I ask whether he realises that we cannot expect any really substantial industrial development throughout North Scotland unless something is done about freight charges on the long haul?

Mr. Duthie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this statement will not give much satisfaction to Banff shire? Will he also realise that fishing is the main industry there and that the Herring Industry Board and the White Fish Authority possess very great powers? Will he press upon them to do everything possible for the development of the fishing industry? In October. 1952, my right hon. Friend announced special treatment for the area and since that has failed, will he not schedule it forthwith.

Mr. Thorneycroft

We shall continue to examine every possibility for this area, but I think that everyone concerned with this area will be satisfied that this is some advance.

Mr. Hoy

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the number of people likely to be employed on this project?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I prefer not to make any estimate.