31 and 32. Mr. Broom an-Whiteasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many applications in Scotland for factory building or extension between the sizes of 5,000 and 20,000 square feet were authorised in 1953 and 1954, respectively, and how many were refused;
§ (2) how many applications in Scotland for factory building between the figures of £5,000 and £20,000 were granted in 1953 and 1954, respectively, and how many were refused.
§ Mr. H. StraussAs explained in the Board of Trade Journal of 2nd October, 1954, the statistics of factory building now record area instead of value figures. One hundred and five applications for new buildings or extensions between 5,000 and 20,000 square feet were granted in 1953, and 100 in 1954. No application was refused.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteDo not these figures indicate that, if existing trends continue, these applications may in future, be sanctioned forthwith in Scotland with-out reference to London, and that this may be a useful and efficient measure of devolution?
§ Mr. StraussRecent changes, which I think my hon. Friend has in mind, are not unimportant, but on the particular point which I think he has in mind, I should be glad if he would put down a further Question.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs the Minister aware that factory building in Scotland is decreasing, while it is going up in England? What does he think about that?