HC Deb 24 March 1959 vol 602 cc1112-3
38. Mr. P. Wells

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will authorise the erection of an advance factory on the Isle of Sheppey.

Mr. J. Rodgers

The Board of Trade has no powers to build factories in the Isle of Sheppey.

Mr. Wells

Is the Minister aware that that is a most unsatisfactory reply? Will he give some reconsideration to the matter, especially as it has been quite impossible to dispose of Sheerness Dockyard, owing primarily to the cost that would be involved in switching over from a naval repair plant and organisation to civilian production? Would not the hon. Gentleman give some consideration to providing financial assistance to a firm or firms to make that switch-over, in the event of such a firm or firms coming forward?

Mr. Rodgers

I am well aware of the concern of the hon. Gentleman for the employment situation in the Isle of Sheppey, but I would remind him that the island is one of the places which do qualify for assistance under the 1958 D.A.T.A.C. scheme.

Mr. Wells

Why does the hon. Gentleman say he has no power, in view of the fact that it is a scheduled area?

Mr. Rodgers

It is a scheduled area under the D.A.T.A.C. scheme, but it is not scheduled under the 1945 Act, and, therefore, we have no powers.