HC Deb 22 January 1959 vol 598 cc398-9
33 and 34. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what further action has been taken to bring about a greater diversification of industry in the city of Stoke-on-Trent; what are the prospects for the new industrial estates at Newstead and Stoke; and what consultations have taken place between the Board of Trade and the city council;

(2) if he will circulate photographs and statements about the amenities, facilities, and environment of Newstead Industrial Estate in the city of Stoke-on-Trent to all concerns who are considering the need for new sites on which to construct works and offices.

Sir D. Eccles

There have been no recent consultations with the Stoke-on-Trent City Council, but the Board of Trade has brought the facilities available in North Staffordshire, including those at Newstead and Stoke, to the attention of a number of firms. Our experience is that, for this purpose, personal interviews with firms known to be contemplating expansion and visits to sites are more effective than the circulation of literature and photographs.

Mr. Smith

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind that all Government Departments and the manufacturers in the area agreed upon the need for more diversification before the war? In view of that, Josiah Wedgwood, Arthur Hollins and others were promised Swynnerton. Now that that has been closed down, is not there an unanswerable case for this pre-war promise to be implemented?

Sir D. Eccles

I was not aware that anyone wanted Swynnerton now. The Ministry of Supply has been trying to find a tenant for that factory.