HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 cc1649-50
35. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total area of factory space for which manufacturing companies have made inquiries at East Kilbride since the development corporation was formed; and the total area of factory space now being used, or prepared for use, within the new town designated area.

Commander Galbraith

Inquiries have been received from 30 firms, with a gross demand for 3 million square feet of factory space. The total area of new factory building in use or approved for building is 496,000 square feet.

Mr. Maitland

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this great disparity between the volume of inquiries for factory space and the number of successful decisions to take factory space in the new towns is a matter for anxiety, in that it represents a serious disparity of social development? Will my right hon. and gallant Friend look into the whole balance of industrial development at East Kilbride and the danger of East Kilbride becoming simply a dormitory town?

Commander Galbraith

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the President of the Board of Trade and convey to him that there is a very strong feeling in Scotland about the evident reluctance of the Board of Trade to allow firms to come to East Kilbride and about the reported insistence that they go elsewhere in the United Kingdom?

Commander Galbraith

I think the right hon. Gentleman is mistaken, but I will certainly take the matter up with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Maitland

Further to the last supplementary question, is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that a number of these firms which sought factory space at East Kilbride voluntarily withdrew their applications because they found the site unsuitable?

Commander Galbraith

That is a very good reason.