HC Deb 03 July 1962 vol 662 cc269-70
28. Mr. Bence

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the last two months in encouraging new industrial enterprises to come to Scotland.

Mr. N. Macpherson

In the last two months approval has been given for 31 projects in Scotland, estimated to give rise to some 3,300 jobs, almost all of them in development districts. In addition, some 16 firms new to Scotland have been shown possible sites, but it is too early to say whether any of these will set up factories in Scotland.

Mr. Bence

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of the newer industries which are being established employ very few people compared with many of the old industries going out of existence? Will he do something to accelerate the increase in industry in Scotland in view of the fact that the rate of the loss of jobs in Scotland is about one-and-a-half times as fast as the creation of new jobs? The position in Scotland is getting worse instead of better.

Mr. Macpherson

The balance between the loss of jobs and the provision of new jobs varies from time to time. There have been periods, not very long ago, when the number of new jobs being provided was greater than the number of jobs being lost.

Mr. Manuel

Can the Minister indicate what progress has been made in the last few months in securing permission to build an advance factory at the Kilwinning Industrial Estate, in North Ayrshire, where unemployment is over 5 per cent.? This estate has had only one factory since 1948. Site preparation and servicing cost over £ 100,000.

Mr. Macpherson

I note what the hon. Gentleman says.