§ 18. Mr. McInnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many factories have been built or are under construction as a result of the plan announced by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) in November, 1956, to raise moneys to build factories to rent in Scotland; and if he will indicate the amount of money so far raised.
§ Mr. MaclayThis experimental scheme was, I understand, drawn up at a time when Government financed factory building was severely limited. Under it the Scottish Council proposed to help industrialists not by themselves raising money but by co-ordinating the various approaches required for the promotion of new factory projects. I am informed that, though a number of inquiries have been received by the Scottish Council, it has not yet been called on to implement the scheme.
§ Mr. McInnesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I regard it as tragic that the Scottish Industrial Estates have dozens of applications for factory accommodation from American, Continental and Scottish firms and that Scottish 182 Industrial Estates, because of Government policy, are unable to provide these factories?
§ Mr. MaclayI simply do not accept what the hon. Member says. The Government's policy is wherever possible to encourage industry to come, by means of the various instruments available under the Distribution of Industries Act and other methods. We are doing everything to encourage it.