HC Deb 11 June 1964 vol 696 c616
19. Mr. Stones

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what plans he has made for the erection of advance factories in the development districts of Stanley and Consett in the county of Durham.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. David Price)

None, Sir.

Mr. Stones

Is the Minister aware that many miners and their families are having to leave my constituency to find work in other parts of the country as a result of the contraction of the mining industry in that area and the absence of alternative employment there? Does not he agree that it is essential for alternative industry to be provided in Consett and Stanley? Does he not also agree that industrialists are more likely to site their industries in areas where factory buildings already exist rather than have to wait for months for such accommodation to be built?

Mr. Price

As the House knows, advance factories are only one of the large range of measures taken to assist to solve the serious problem the hon. Gentleman has in his constituency. Many firms prefer a tailor-made factory. The hon. Gentleman knows that the full range of the Local Employment Act is available to any firm which is minded to settle in his constituency. If he knows of any, I should be delighted to assist.

Mr. Stones

There is a lapse of time that we wish to avoid.