HC Deb 17 April 1962 vol 658 c217
14. Mr. Dempsey

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of grants given to industrialists willing to provide jobs in Coatbridge and Airdrie up to the latest convenient date.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Up to the end of March, 1962, assistance amounting to £350,000 has been offered and accepted

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that I have deliberately asked to what extent grants have been given, quite apart from loans? Does he not realise that in this part of Lanarkshire, the unemployment figures are rising considerably and that one of the most effective manners in which to tackle this problem is to give industrialists who are willing to develop employment prospects in the area better financial inducements? I believe that grants are a much more effective financial inducement than loans. Will the Minister have another look at the matter?

Mr. Macpherson

In the main, assistance is given by way of loan. It is only in special circumstances that grants are given.