§ 21. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he is making in attracting new industries to the city of Dundee.
§ Mr. MaudlingA number of firms which have gone to Dundee in recent years are expanding, and I hope that the factory extensions nearly completed or still under construction will provide over 1,500 new jobs.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while we welcome what has been done in the past, it is some time now since any substantial new development was brought to the city, and meantime the refrigerator industry is running into short-time working due to restrictions on credit? Will he renew his efforts and consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure steady economic expansion, which is the best help that can be given to Development Areas?
§ Mr. MaudlingThat is the best hope for all areas, but in conditions of international trade it is not a thing which any Government, whatever the colour, can guarantee. I am aware of the difficulties in Dundee. But one should not always pay too much attention to getting in new industries; it is just as satisfactory when existing ones expand.