HC Deb 19 November 1953 vol 520 cc1874-5
3. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken to assist the City of Stoke-on-Trent in the development of its industrial sites at Longton, Newstead, and Stoke; how many firms have opened on the sites; what action has been taken to encourage firms to open on the sites; and whether he will take steps to see that future pottery production development takes place on or near these industrial sites.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am always prepared to consider applications for industrial development certificates on their merits; but the siting of industrial developments within the Stoke-on-Trent area is a matter for the local planning authority. There are five factories on the sites mentioned by the hon. Member.

Mr. Smith

As the Minister knows this area very well, does he not agree that the local authority should have more encouragement from his Ministry than they have had? If he does, will he ask his officials to meet the local authority so that, as this is not a Development Area, action can be taken to deal with the area on the lines indicated?

Mr. Thorneycroft

Industrial development certificates are the responsibility of the Board of Trade, and I am always prepared to consider that. But the actual siting of the factories is a matter for the local authority and it would be wrong for me to try to intervene in that matter.

5. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will have prepared reports, comparable with that on Government action in Wales and Monmouthshire, Command Paper No. 8959, for North Staffordshire, or for a 50-mile radius around Manchester.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

No, Sir.

Mr. Smith

Although all credit ought to be given to London, Wales and Scotland, has not the time arrived when other large industrial areas should stake their claim? Is the President aware that, while we give all credit to this very fine Report, it covers only 2½ million people, and that we are asking that similar action shall be taken in respect of areas in which 11 million people are living.

Mr. Thorneycroft

My reply showed no disrespect for the area concerned, in which I was born. However, if I start producing reports on every area in the country it will run into a considerable volume of paper.

Mr. P. Morris

Would it not be more honest if the right hon. Gentleman assured my hon. Friend that the disproportionate amount of labour involved in the preparation of these documents makes the task hardly worth while, because the Government never implement any recommendations or even take any notice of them?