HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 cc229-30
26. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new factories or factory extensions have been authorised in Sunderland this year.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Three, of an aggregate area of 34,000 square feet.

Mr. Willey

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many people are likely to be employed as a result of these welcome authorisations, and, in view of our persistent high level of unemployment, can he now redouble his efforts to get a factory set up in Sunderland as soon as possible?

Mr. Rodgers

I appreciate that there is high unemployment in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. I have not got the exact figures relating to the number of new jobs which will be provided by these extensions. However, there has been a recent application to house a local firm which wishes to expand, and this matter is now under consideration. If it goes ahead as planned, it could produce another 170 jobs.

27. Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the proposals of the Sunderland Corporation to clear and prepare sites for industrial development.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The corporation has so far applied in respect of one site of 10 acres for a grant under Section 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, towards the cost of providing new sewers and roads on land it had already cleared of slum dwellings. But, as was made clear in the circular issued to local authorities by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on 12th March and as the Corporation has been informed, work of this sort is not eligible for grant.

Mr. Willey

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that this is a most disappointing reply? Everybody concedes that what we need in Sunderland is a new industry. We have to have a site prepared to attract new industry. Will he enter into immediate consultation with the corporation to see that we get a site effectively cleared?

Mr. Rodgers

I will certainly look into the matter.

Mr. Jay

Why is the application not eligible for grant? Is it because it does not come under the terms of the Act, or that the Government have decided not to meet this sort of application?

Mr. Rodgers

I have not got the details of this particular application.