HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc208-9
47. Mr. P. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the occupation of unused factories on the Pallion Trading Estate, Sunderland.

Mr. H. Strauss

The Board of Trade are in negotiation with several companies interested in these factories, but I cannot yet state the outcome.

Mr. Williams

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the chairman of the North East Trading Estate stated last week that it was expected that some firms would be willing to take over certain of these factories in the near future? When does he expect to be able to make a statement about them?

Mr. Strauss

I do not think it would help if I gave any particulars of pending negotiations, but I am fairly optimistic.

Mr. Willey

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I have been very considerate to him in not pressing this matter in the House, but one of these factories has now been closed for 12 months, and it is really thoroughly unsatisfactory to give such a reply as we have heard today. We feel that we are entitled to hear what concrete steps the Board of Trade is taking to get this factory occupied.

Mr. Williams

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the figure of employment this time last year was 46,000 and that now it is 47,250?

Mr. Strauss

I am aware of the relevant figures, but they are not relevant to this reply.

48. Mr. P. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the progress of the building of new factories at the Pallion Trading Estate, Sunderland.

Mr. H. Strauss

The building of a factory of 210,000 sq. ft. for the Edison Swan Electric Company Limited is making good progress. It is hoped that it will be completed next autumn.

Mr. Williams

Is this statement not evidence of the fact that there is continued confidence in Sunderland and the North-East in the future of good Conservative rule?

Mr. Willey

Am I to understand from the reluctance of the Parliamentary Secretary to reply that he thoroughly disagrees with that?

Mr. Strauss

I share the optimism evidently felt in the North-East.