HC Deb 10 December 1959 vol 615 cc725-7
19. Mr. Edelman

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the Government's future plans for the expansion and location of the motor industry.

Mr. Erroll

It is not for the Government to plan the expansion of the motor industry. The Board of Trade is in close touch with those companies which are considering the possibility of expansion.

Mr. Edelman

Has not the Prime Minister had discussions with Lord Rootes about this matter? Is not this a matter of major industrial strategy affecting a large number of people? I support anything which will alleviate unemployment in Scotland, but is not this a matter which should be discussed not with manufacturers only, but also with the trade unions concerned? Is the Minister aware of the anxiety in the Midlands about the general approach of the Government to this question, and will he make a further statement?

Mr. Erroll

I am not aware of who the Prime Minister sees from time to time, so I cannot say whether he has recently seen Lord Rootes. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by making a further statement at the moment.

Mr. Ross

Although the Minister rightly states that the Government do not accept responsibility in relation to the planning of the industry, he will, I hope, give us an assurance that the Government accept their obligations in relation to the distribution of industry. I hope that the Minister will not forget the problem of unemployment in Scotland.

Mr. Erroll

I am very glad to be able to give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. The Question dealt with expansion, and that is not our job. Assisting in securing the right location is very much our business.

Mr. Jay

Surely the location of future plants in the industry relates to the planning of the expansion. Does the hon. Member agree that, although it is natural for representatives from the Midlands to put the case of their area, there are other parts of the country, notably Scotland—

Mr. Watkins

What about Wales?

Mr. Jay

—Wales and the North-East Coast which, on merits, have a stronger claim?

Mr. Erroll

The motor industry will doubtless discuss its plans at the appropriate time with my right hon. Friend. That will be the time when we shall be able to discuss problems of location.

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