HC Deb 02 May 1961 vol 639 cc1120-1
33. Mr. Manuel

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action is being taken by his Department to attract industrial undertakings to occupy the industrial estate situated at Kilwinning, in the constituency of Central Ayrshire.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Kilwinning is a development district in which the facilities of the Local Employment Act are available. The Board of Trade continues in its efforts to encourage industrial development there.

Mr. Manuel

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a rather shocking reply? Is he aware that there is still only one small factory on that estate? Is he further aware that on 13th March, 1952, the then President of the Board of Trade informed me in reply to a Question that the rest of the estate was being held in reserve for future development? Can the hon. Gentleman now give an assurance to the Ayr County Council and to Kilwinning Town Council that real action will be taken by his Department to attract industrial undertakings to the site?

Mr. Macpherson

The site is still available and efforts are being made to attract industry to it. It should also be remembered, however, that Kilwinning is only three miles from Irvine and that it is to that place that industry is at present being attracted and where over 1,600 jobs are in prospect.

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