HC Deb 08 June 1961 vol 641 cc1366-7
12. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the desire of a United States firm, details of which have been sent to him, now established in Glenrothes, Fife, to expand; and what assistance his Department is able to provide, under the terms of the Local Employment Act.

Mr. Maudling

I am aware of the desire of this United States company to expand, but, as Glenrothes is not itself a development district and the proposed expansion would not benefit a development district, it is not eligible for assistance under the Local Employment Act.

Mr. Hamilton

Has the right hon. Gentleman made investigations into this case? Is it not a fact that if this expansion were allowed in Glenrothes it would employ people under the terms of the Glasgow ovrspill agreement? If that is the case, will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the position, because it would be a very regrettable development, I am sure he would agree, if the expansion were taken to West Germany.

Mr. Maudling

I have had a very close look at this matter, but it seems that the expansion would not in fact employ people from the Glasgow overspill, but local people. For that reason, I do not think that it falls within the powers I have under the Act.

Mr. Jay

Even though the right hon. Gentleman may not be able to give financial assistance, I presume that in a case like this he would grant an industrial development certificate readily?

Mr. Maudling

I cannot see why I should not do that, but the Question deals with financial assistance as determined by the Act.