§ 24. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade the principle or principles on which he acts in the allocation and fostering of light and heavy industries, respectively; and in particular whether he takes into account their distance from the centres requiring their products and the freight charges involved.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)The Board has no powers to direct an industrialist to a particular location, but has the power to withhold an industrial development certificate. This gives the Board the opportunity to discuss with an industrialist his proposal for a new factory or extension and to suggest localities where there is a need for new industry, bearing in mind all relevant location factors.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Parliamentary Secretary realise that the ratio of commodity value to freight charges is an essential consideration, especially in relation to remote districts such as the North of Scotland? Will he take that fact into account with a view to encouraging light industries in the North of Scotland?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI think that the hon. and learned Member has already been informed that there is a new freight charges scheme under consideration by the Transport Tribunal at the present time.