§ 33. Mr. T. Fraserasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the employment position at Larkhall, Lanarkshire, where the total employment now existing is equal to substantially less than 50 per cent. of the insured population; and, in view of recent colliery closures, if he will authorise Scottish Industrial Estates Limited to build additional factories at Larkhall Industrial Estate, with a view to attracting new employment to the area.
§ Sir D. EcclesI am aware of the serious unemployment situation, although the hon. Member's assessment does not agree with my information. As I announced on 22nd January, we are prepared to consider the provision of factories anywhere in North Lanarkshire to firms wishing to set up or extend there.
§ Mr. FraserIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that no new factory has been built in this area since his party became the Government in 1951 and that employment in the town has declined very considerably over that period? Does he not think it is about time that he took some action in the matter?
§ Sir D. EcclesI think the hon. Gentleman knows that there is an advance factory to be built at Coatbridge, and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary says that he has in mind another factory which also is to go up there, though not an advance factory.
§ Mr. FraserSurely, the right hon. Gentleman is not suggesting that the problem of Larkhall will be relieved by the building of a factory in Coatbridge? Has he any idea of the travelling distance between Coatbridge and Larkhall? It is like saying that people in Lancashire need not worry because there is a factory being built in Wales.
§ Sir D. EcclesWe realise that this is a difficulty, and we are doing our best to get new industry to go there.