HC Deb 04 June 1959 vol 606 cc335-6
1. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be able to state which sites he finds suitable for the establishment of industry at Douglas, Lanarkshire.

The President of the Board of Trade (Sir David Eccles)

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary sent this information to my hon. Friend on 27th May.

Mr. Maitland

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I draw his attention to my answer, which was an invitation to him to complete the information by saying what was the square footage of factory space which each of these sites could accommodate, and also asking if he would list these sites in the OFFICIAL REPORT so that they would be widely known?

Sir D. Eccles

To the best of my knowledge, one can take about 15,000 square feet per acre. The development plan has still to be approved by the county council and the Scottish Office. I hope this approval will not be long delayed and then we shall be able to meet my hon. Friend's request.

2. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now use powers available under the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, to attract industry to Douglas, Lanarkshire.

Sir D. Eccles

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given him last Tuesday by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary.

Mr. Maitland

Is my right hon. Friend aware that had I been successful in catching Mr. Speaker's eye last night in the Scottish debate I would have drawn the attention of the Board of Trade to the fact that the Scottish Council has now put out its views on the employment problem to this extent——

Mr. Speaker

Order. It seems to me that the hon. Member is trying to deliver a speech which he did not have an opportunity of giving us last night.

Mr. Maitland

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I complete my supplementary question and ask my right hon. Friend whether he has yet been acquainted with the Scottish Council's view on this matter, which is that the problems of depopulation as well as unemployment should be considered in giving D.A.T.A.C. assistance to designated areas?

Sir D. Eccles

That is a very big question which is outside the scope of this answer, but I will be quite ready to talk to my hon. Friend about this if he wishes.

Mr. Maitland

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply?