HC Deb 11 December 1956 vol 562 cc203-5
18. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his present policy regarding factory building in Development Areas.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The policy remains as it was at the time of the statement by my hon. and learned Friend the then Parliamentary Secretary on 5th June, when answering a similar Question by the right hon. Member for Huyton (Mr. H. Wilson).

Mr. Willey

Is the President aware that that statement caused a great deal of concern? Is he further aware that there is a general feeling in the Development Areas that there is an absolute standstill in Development Area policy at the moment? Would the President deny that?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I agree that there has been economy exercised in Government building in the Development Areas.

Mr. Burke

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in the north-east Lancashire Development Area sites are available, labour is available, and all that is wanting is some factory building?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I will certainly bear in mind conditions in north-east Lancashire.

Commander Maitland

Can my right hon. Friend say how the percentage of unemployment compares with the rest of the country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think it is 1.5 per cent. in north-east Lancashire compared with just over 1 per cent. in other areas.

19. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for the provision of new Government factories or extensions under the Distribution of Industry Act in the North-East Development Area have been granted in the past six months.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Two, Sir.

Mr. Willey

Is the Minister aware that this is quite inadequate? If there is a general slow-down in building, there is a particular need for development policy. We expect him to show greater interest in this matter and to promote and encourage more building activities in Development Areas.

Mr. Thorneycroft

At the same time, I think all forms of Government expenditure must be closely watched. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Certainly. All forms of Government expenditure need to be closely watched, and this is an expenditure which cannot altogether escape attention.

Mr. Albu

What is the policy with respect to those factories in Development Areas which are closed down due to the Government's credit policy, with work being withdrawn into the main factories of the companies concerned?

Mr. Thorneycroft

There is a fairly high demand for factories in the Development Areas, but if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I will certainly look at it.