§ 15. Mr. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has has been drawn to the threatened closure of certain textile mills at Prinlaws, Fife; and what steps he is taking in so far as his Department's responsibilities are concerned.
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir, and the Board of Trade will take advantage of any suitable opportunity to bring these premises, 574 if they are closed, to the notice of industry, thus supplementing the firm's efforts to find a new occupant.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that the threatened closure of these mills will cause unemployment to about 300 people, which is a very serious problem in this area as unfilled vacancies are now rather fewer than the number unemployed? What specific proposals does he have to ensure that if and when these mills become vacant they will not be left empty while there is unemployment in the area?
§ Sir D. EcclesUnemployment in the Kirkcaldy district is low; it is only 1.5 per cent. If these mills are closed, the first thing which the firm will try to do, naturally, is to find a new occupier. We will give all the help we can.