§ 26. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that another factory is shortly to close in Leslie, Fife; and, in view of the fact that this is an electrical industry of the type needed in the area, whether he will take steps to offer the firm the necessary assistance to enable its continued existence.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)The factory to which the hon. Member refers is being closed down for commercial reasons and no question of Board of Trade assistance arises. The parent company propose, however, to go ahead with another project in Dunfermline which will provide some 400 jobs.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is to happen to the premises which will be available in Leslie? Is no attempt being made by his Department to get another tenant? Is he aware that the psychological effect of this plus the fact that the Rothes colliery is in the same area are causing very great concern to constituents in that part of my constituency?
§ Mr. ErrollYes, I am aware of the genuine concern and I am looking into the subject of the Leslie factory.