HC Deb 21 February 1961 vol 635 cc304-5
56. Mr. Watkins

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to bring to the notice of industrialists that grants are available from the Development Fund for development in rural areas; to what extent he is doing this to induce industries to come into mid-Wales; and with what results.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Grants from the Development Fund are not available in the development districts, the areas for which my right hon. Friend is chiefly concerned to find employment. But the Department brings the possibility of obtaining a grant from the Fund to the notice of any industrialist who, although unable to go to a development district, is prepared to set up in a rural area in mid-Wales.

Mr. Watkins

In what way does the hon. Gentleman's Department bring this to the attention of industrialists, because I understand that it is not mentioned in the literature issued by his Department?

Mr. Macpherson

Everybody who wants to build a new factory or an extension to a factory has to apply to the Board of Trade for an industrial development certificate.

Mr. Watkins

Why is it that this information is made available in literature for Northern Ireland but not for places like mid-Wales?

Mr. Macpherson

I assure the hon. Gentleman that this is brought to the attention of industrialists, although this particular assistance is the concern of the Treasury rather than of the Board of Trade.