HC Deb 06 November 1958 vol 594 cc1096-7
33. Mr. Marquand

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new factories are now under construction in Development Areas.

Sir D. Eccles

At the end of September, 218 factories and factory extensions for manufacturing industry were under construction in the Development Areas.

Mr. Marquand

Does the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the serious increase in unemployment in the Development Areas in recent months, that this is a sufficient figure? If he does not think it is sufficient, has he plans to increase the number rapidly? Is he aware that the steel industry on Teesside stands ready at short notice to provide him with all the constructional steel he needs to multiply the factory programme several times?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, I am looking into the question whether we can get some of our tenants in those areas to extend their factories.

Mr. Popplewell

How many are in the North-East?

Sir D. Eccles

The North-East is easily the best. It has 80 out of 218.

Mr. Marquand

In view of his wartime experience of this, will the right hon. Gentleman consider not only the extension of existing factories but the building of advance factories?

Sir D. Eccles

I would if I thought that would be really useful, but in view of the present state of factory premises, which is very different from what it was just after the war, I think it is better to find a firm which wants a factory and to build the type of factory it wants.