HC Deb 10 May 1960 vol 623 c177
7. Mr. Dempsey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to secure a tenant for the new advance factory at Coatbridge, who will provide employment for large numbers.

Mr. J. Rodgers

This factory has been brought to the attention of many industrialists who have consulted the Board of Trade about their expansion plans. All our regional offices know of the factory and mention it to enquirers; several have been shown around.

Mr. Dempsey

As the Parliamentary Secretary seems to have difficulty about rinding a suitable tenant for this factory, will he consider introducing the concessional rents which apply in Northern Ireland, with a view to attracting industry to the area, particularly the factory concessional rents directing or stimulating public enterprise to come to the rescue of this part of Scotland?

Mr. Rodgers

The question of concessional rents is altogether another matter. The factory is still under construction and it is not expected to be completed until August. I hope that by then we will have found a tenant.