HC Deb 02 December 1958 vol 596 cc1000-1
8. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade the area of industrial buildings under construction in the North Eastern Development Area at the latest available date.

Mr. J. Rodgers

At the 31st October, 1958, just over 5.2 million square feet were under construction, excluding buildings not exceeding 5,000 square feet.

Mr. Willey

While this is not unsatisfactory, it is meagre when set against the immediate and prospective wants of the North-East. Will the Minister shake his Department out of its general complacency towards the North-East?

Mr. Rodgers

I should like to acquit my Department of any complacency in this matter. We are very sympathetic to the difficulties of the area in question, but there are other areas which require prior treatment.

Mr. Short

Will the Minister say what he meant in a previous answer when he said that, if things grew worse in the North-East, it would be taken as an area for which special financial assistance would be available? Will he say what he means by that?

Mr. Rodgers

Various parts of the area, or the whole area, might be considered for the D.A.T.A.C. list, which would make financial assistance available under the Act.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Has the Minister noticed, from questions which have been put, that serious unemployment is again troubling those areas which were depressed, as well as troubling other areas, such as Lancashire, which are depressed now? Does he realise that grave anxiety is felt that, unless something is done very quickly, the areas which suffered so much in the 'thirties will return to the bad old days?

30. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Government-owned factories in the North Eastern Development Area have been sold; and at what profit or loss.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Six, Sir. It is not the practice to disclose details of sales, but no loss to the Exchequer has been involved.

Mr. Willey

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that we ought to have an account of individual sales? After all, this is a matter which affects taxpayers' money. While realising that some of the sales may have taken place in exceptional circumstances, to safeguard the taxpayers' interest, will not the hon. Gentleman agree to let us have the particulars of each sale?

Mr. Rodgers

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will accept my assurance that there has been no loss in the sales of any one particular factory.