§ 38. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what conclusions he has reached about the industrial future of the new town of East Kil-bride as a balanced community in view of official suggestions that the demand for products of the Rolls-Royce factory there will taper off after 1954, which are disclosed in paragraphs 951 and 976 of the Minutes of Evidence taken before Sub-Committee B as published in the Seventh Report of the Select Committee on Estimates.
Commander GalbraithSince the evidence referred to by my hon. Friend was given to the Select Committee, increased military and civil requirements for new aero-engines and aero-engine repairs suggest the continuation of a high level of employment at the Rolls-Royce factory. In general, the actual and prospective employment opportunities at East Kilbride are likely to be adequate to the new town's requirements for some time ahead.
§ Mr. MaitlandIs not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that these increased orders that have come in since the evidence referred to are derived very largely from offshore purchases and other uncertain and speculative prospects of civil purchases which are by no means certain to last and does not he agree that to base the central industry of a new town on the prospect of offshore purchases is most unsatisfactory?
§ 39. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of the 3 million square feet of factory space, for which industrial firms have inquired, at East Kilbride has been let, apart from that taken by the Rolls-Royce factory; and if he will state the total area of factory space let within the designated area since 1st January, 1952, and the number of workers likely to be directly employed as a result.
Commander GalbraithExcluding the Rolls-Royce factory, about 5,000 square feet of factory space have been taken up at East Kilbride since 1st January, 1952: the total area of factory space taken up since the same date is 430,000 square feet and the number of persons likely to be employed in the accommodation so far made available is estimated at 3,100.
§ Mr. MaitlandIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this very small advance in the attraction of industry to East Kilbride points directly to a grave unbalance in the development of the new town? Does he want the new town to become a dormitory town and eventually a slum or a balanced community?