HC Deb 11 July 1961 vol 644 cc177-8
1 and 2. Miss Herbison

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what instructions he has given to his Regional Controller in Scotland about drawing the attention of industrialists to the advantages of being sited near the steel strip mill at Gartcosh; and what steps he is taking to attract industrialists to that area;

(2) what consultations his Regional Controller in Scotland has had with Lanarkshire County Council on the advantages of Harthill for ancillary industries connected with the British Motor Corporation development at Bathgate; and what steps he is taking to attract industrialists to that area.

The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

The Board of Trade is continuing its efforts to attract new industry to the North Lanarkshire area, and wherever appropriate the Board's Office for Scotland reminds industrialists of the advantages of being sited near the steel strip mill and the British Motor Corporation's works. It keeps in close touch with the Lanarkshire County Council, but has not had separate consultations about Harthill.

Miss Herbison

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that only this week three firms in North Lanarkshire have announced closures? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that in this area of Harthill the very last pit closes on Friday of this week, which is the holiday period? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there will have to be much greater initiative and drive by himself and by his representatives in Scotland if we are to have any chance at all of remedying the great deficiences in employment in that area?

Mr. Maudling

I have heard of these pending closures, and I must say that I aim disturbed to hear about them. But the hon. Lady should recognise that unemployment in the North Lanarkshire group during the past year has fallen from 4.6 to 3.4 per cent., which is quite definite progress.

Miss Herbison

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, even though that may be some progress, the figure is still a very high one, and that all the signs are that instead of improvements in this area the position is likely to become very much worse?

Mr. Maudling

We must certainly try to make more progress. I was only saying that we had made some in the past year.