HC Deb 19 March 1959 vol 602 cc606-7
10. Mr. Bence

asked the President of the Board of Trade what advance faotories are to be built in the burghs of Clydebank, Milngavie and Kirkintilloch.

13. Mr. Steele

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will include the Strathleven Industrial Estate, Dumbarton, in the list of places in which advance factories will be built.

18. Mrs. Mann

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that the area of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, carrying 10.2 per cent. unemployment, is given one of the three factories contemplated for Scotland.

Mr. J. Rodgers

As I told the House yesterday during the debate on unemployment, the place chosen for the experimental advance factory in Scotland is Coatbridge.

Mr. Bence

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unemployment is growing in Clydebank? It is increasing in Milngavie and it is increasing in Kirkintilloch. Mines are being closed in this part of the country, which puts men out of work in Milngavie and Kirkintilloch. Is the hon. Gentleman telling me that no advance factories are to be built in this area where serious unemployment will arise in the next three years unless something is done? Is he aware that the shipbuilding industry is in a very difficult state and may be causing unemployment in a few years?

Mr. Rodgers

There are at present six empty Board of Trade factories in Scotland. As I said last night, the Board of Trade is prepared to build one advance factory and, depending on what we learn from the experiment, it will then reconsider the matter. Kirkintilloch should be able to benefit from the overspill agreement with Glasgow.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware—and if not, he soon will be of the very great pleasure that that information will give to the people in my constituency, not least because it demonstrates that the Government know their very special problem? Has the Board of Trade contemplated the size and nature of the work that will be engaged in?

Mr. Rodgers

I am very grateful for the gracious remarks of the hon. Lady. At present we have not decided the exact size of the factory. It will be built to a standard pattern. While it is being built we shall try to negotiate for someone to move into the premises.

Mr. Nabarro

All vote Tory next time.

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