HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1379-81
24. Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the experience of Northern Ireland in respect of the value of advance factories in the promotion of industrial expansion; and to what extent he is now willing to encourage the provision of advance factories in Scotland.

Sir D. Eccles

The Northern Ireland authorities consider that the provision of advance factories has helped to attract industry. But the money available for Government-financed factories in Great Britain is limited, and it seems better to spend it on the specific requirements of individual firms than on building with no tenant in view.

Mr. MacPherson

Does not that Answer contradict the experience of Northern Ireland? Has the right hon. Gentleman made any analysis of the two situations? Why should it be better to build advance factories in Northern Ireland but not in Scotland? Is there any difference in the experience of trade or the industrial situation in the two parts of the country which would suggest that different policy?

Sir D. Eccles

The unemployment level in Northern Ireland has been, roughly, twice that of Scotland and, therefore, the House agreed on exceptional measures. I am fairly sure that the building of advance factories in this country would not be the most useful way of spending the capital available.

Sir J. Hutchison

In view of the fact that past records show that advance factories were taken advantage of in Scotland to a great extent, and as Scotland looks as though she will suffer very severely under the new naval programme, will my right hon. Friend consider this whole question again?

Sir D. Eccles

I am considering it with my colleagues, but at the present time I think it better to wait until we can get an industrialist who says what kind of factory he wants.

Mr. Gibson

Wait till the crisis hits us.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the President aware that the rate of unemployment in Scotland is at least twice that of England and that in one town the rate is up by 8 per cent.? This is a serious matter for an industrial district. Is he aware that in Scotland, South Wales and Northern Ireland advance factories have proved themselves to be the only way to attract industry?

Sir D. Eccles

For that reason two-thirds of the expenditure approved for the Development Areas last year was for Scotland.

Mr. Jay

Is not the finance available for this work limited only by the decision of the Government, and as, since the war, advance factories have repeatedly proved to be the quickest way of bringing help to an area, why does not the President pursue that policy?

Sir D. Eccles

I do not believe that in present circumstances advance factories would attract tenants.