HC Deb 04 February 1964 vol 688 c970
30. Sir T. Moore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the result of the consultations he has had with other Departments concerned and the local authority regarding the possible establishment of a tax-free zone at Prestwick Airport.

Mr. Maudling

The consultations are well advanced and I understand that the local authority considered the position at its council meeting last Tuesday.

Sir T. Moore

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but may I ask him whether he would agree that the very existence of a tax-free zone at the airport would be an enormous inducement to new industries to settle in the district and so relieve the general unemployment situation in the county?

Mr. Maudling

I think that it would be wrong to comment overmuch on this. Consultations have been going on and this matter has recently been considered by the local authority, but we are not sure of its present view.