§ 8. Mr. Gowerasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement upon the building of new factories and factory extensions in Wales during the past year; and his estimate of future prospects.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn 1956, 103 industrial development certificates for an area of over 6½ million square feet were issued for Wales. At the end of 1956, 66 schemes totalling 6¾ million square feet were under construction.
§ Mr. GowerHow does the first figure which my right hon. Friend gave compare with the figure for the previous year?
§ Sir D. EcclesIn 1955, 112 industrial development certificates were given for a total area of 2.3 million square feet.
§ Mr. C. HughesCan the President give some more hopeful news about the introduction of industry to North-West Wales, where, as he is well aware, unemployment is running higher than anywhere else in Great Britain? Will he not consider extending the Distribution of Industry Act to this area, as was recommended by the Select Committee on Estimates twelve months ago?
§ Sir D. EcclesThat is another question, which I will consider.