HC Deb 11 March 1964 vol 691 cc415-6
13. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much factory space is available for letting in the new town of Cumbernauld; and what steps he is taking to speed up the occupation of this available factory space.

Mr. Noble

Cumbernauld Development Corporation has 3,000 square feet of factory space available to let and will have 40,000 square feet more when two advance factories are completed in about a month's time. A number of firms are interested in these premises and the development corporation is preparing plans for further building of this kind.

Mr. Bence

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every month the figures of the unemployed rise in Cumbernauld and the districts around? Will the right hon. Gentleman press on to get some tenants for these factories and do what he can to encourage industries to go to the new town, because if he does not it will soon become a dormitory town?

Mr. Noble

While I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's first statement, I can say that I know the problem of unemployment in this area. I also know that the Cumbernauld Development Corporation itself has had a very successful exhibition in London in an effort to bring new industries to that area, and also my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade is doing all that he can to help.

Mr. Bence

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have had answers to Questions saying that the number of unemployed people registered at the Kilsyth Employment Exchange, which includes the new town of Cumbernauld, is increasing?

Mr. Noble

I understood the hon. Gentleman to be referring to Scotland as a whole. I did not realise that he was referring only to Kilsyth.