HC Deb 10 May 1962 vol 659 cc626-7
29. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent new industries have recently been established in South Ayrshire.

Mr. Erroll

No industries new to South Ayrshire have been established recently, but about 160 new jobs have arisen or will arise from expansions by firms already in the area.

Mr. Hughes

Since the Minister has just said that he accepts a certain amount of responsibility for providing employment in Scotland, does not he think that a new initiative is needed in this part of the world because of the possibility of pit closures? Will he keep that in mind?

Mr. Erroll

I have the prospect of pit closures in all parts of Scotland very much in mind. That was why I added Kirkcaldy to the list of development districts last Monday. The Girvan and Cumnock employment exchange areas are already development districts and therefore are on the list shown to prospective industrialists who may wish to go to Scotland.

Mr. Ross

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that, although Girvan has been on the schedule of development districts since the Act was passed, not a single job has been provided there by the Board of Trade?

Mr. Erroll

No new industries have been provided there.