HC Deb 12 July 1955 vol 543 c1717
1. Sir R. Boothby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amendments in the light of experience he proposes to make to the Buckie-Peterhead Scheme.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)

The scheme is one for building small factories, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I see no reason to amend it.

Sir R. Boothby

Does my right hon. Friend realise that under this Scheme no loans have been made to industrial companies, as a result of which it has been a complete wash-out since it started? Will he consider the possibility of turning this area into a Development Area in view of the fact that nothing has been achieved up to date?

Mr. Thorneycroft

As my hon. Friend is aware, consideration was given, under this and previous Governments, to whether this type of area was suitable for scheduling as a Development Area. The decision was that it was not, and I see no reason to change that decision.