HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc1040-1
7. Mr. Burke

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new firms, new factories or extensions to existing factories are at present in Burnley as a consequence of his Department's direction or support since February, 1953, when the town was scheduled as part of a Development Area.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

North-east Lancashire was made a Development Area on 3rd March, 1953. Two extensions approved since that date have been completed in the County Borough of Burnley, extensions to four other factories are under construction, at least one firm new to Burnley has acquired premises there, and within three miles of Burnley the Board of Trade is building the largest factory which it has ever undertaken in any Development Area.

Mr. Burke

These extensions are not made at the expense of the Government but by the local authority. What extensions have been undertaken by the Government? In any case, does the Minister realise that when this factory is completed, it will employ only 1,500, whereas the leakage from the area is 2,300 insured persons per year?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will not split hairs as to who should take the credit. Let us all share in that, and welcome the fact that all this development is going on, and thriving, around Burnley.

Mr. Burke

The Government are bringing only one firm to the area and are neglecting to offer grants in prepared sites.

21 and 23. Mr. Gower

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many applications in Wales 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 Wales for factory building or extensions between the figures of £5,000 and £20,000 were granted in 1953 and 1954, respectively; and how many were refused.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The area figures were 44 in 1953 and 52 in 1954. None were refused. I have not got the value figures.

Mr. Gower

Does that represent an increase over 1953 or not?

Mr. Thorneycroft

It is an increase in the area figures, I believe, but I should like to look at the point again.

22. Mr. Gower

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of applications in the United Kingdom for factory building or extension were granted in Wales in 1953 and 1954, respectively; and what proportion of those refused were in Wales in each of those years.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

5.7 per cent. and 3.7 per cent. were aproved, and none refused.