HC Deb 16 December 1954 vol 535 cc1967-8
38. Mr. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the prospects for new industrial expansion in Scotland in the forthcoming year; and what steps he is taking to inform inquiring firms of the desirability of establishing new light industries in the developing mining areas of the east of Scotland.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The increase in approvals for new factory building in Scotland this year gives ground for hoping that there will be increased industrial expansion there next year. The Board of Trade continue to bring the areas concerned to the attention of industrialists who are likely to be interested.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that there has been some considerable feeling in Fife on this issue, and can he give any indication whether there is any prospect of some immediate reconsideration of the recommendations of the Cairncross Report which was rejected some time ago?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That seems to be a rather wider issue.