HC Deb 03 July 1962 vol 662 cc258-9
12. Sir F. Maclean

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause an advance factory to he built in North Ayrshire.

Mr. N. Macpherson

As I told the House on 26th June, the Government are considering their future policy as regards advance factories: the claims of North Ayrshire will be taken into account.

Sir F. Maclean

Is my hon. Friend aware that his right hon. Friend recently informed me that it was not even worth while for an American firm, which he knows, to visit North Ayrshire, because there were no existing premises there. and, in view of the serious unemployment prevailing in the area, will he not take steps to provide such premises at once?

Mr. Macpherson

With regard to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, my information is that the firm was not sure enough of being able to get the labour it needed in the area, after taking into account the prospective needs of other undertakings already established or under construction in the area. We are considering the policy as regards advance factories.

Sir F. Maclean

But is not my hon. Friend aware of the serious unemployment there, and also of the availability of a pool of skilled and semi-skilled labour in the area, because, if he is not. he ought to be?

Mr. Macpherson

I am also aware that there are more jobs in prospect than there are unemployed in the area. although I should admit that the jobs in prospect include overspill from Glasgow.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that in his own constituency in Dumfriesshire the workers in a factory are working on a £ 600,000 trade contract with the Soviet Union? Is it not possible to get these factories extended, so that they can also help and be assisted by similar trade with the Soviet Union?

Mr. Macpherson

With regard to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's Question, I am aware of that, but I am not quite certain how it affects an advance factory in North Ayrshire.

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