§ 17. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the two coal mines in the village of Kelty in Fife, employing approximately 1,700 men, are likely to close within the next two years and that there is no alternative employment availaible; and what steps he intends to take to ensure that employment opportunities will be available in Fife in good time.
§ Mr. ErrollI understand that the National Coal Board hopes to offer many of the men employment in other Scottish collieries. As regards the second part of the Question, I will continue to use to the full my powers under the Local Employment Act to encourage the introduction and expansion of industry in Fife.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhile it may wed! be true that some of the men will be redeployed in other areas, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great numbers of them will not be able to get work in other districts because most of the pits in that part of Central and West Fife are to close down? Will he therefore consider the Kelty area for the provision of an advance factory, and can he give an undertaking that, in regard to the Donibristle site, which is within travelling distance of Kelty, no delay will occur between the acquisition of the site by the Board of Trade and the transfer of the land to the Management Corporation?
§ Mr. ErrollAs regards the Donbristle site, I think the hon. Gentleman has a Question latter on the Order Paper this afternoon about that. In case it is not reached, I can tell him that we are pressing on as rapidly as possible. In regard to the provision of an advance factory, I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await the announcement which may be made later today by means of a Written Answer to a Question.