§ 16. Mr. Gourlayasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many firm commitments have been made by industrialists to develop in the Kirkcaldy development district since 1st January, 1963; and how many jobs are likely to be provided for males and females, respectively.
§ Mr. GourlayIs the Minister aware that nearly all those jobs are being provided in the new town of Glenrothes? Further, is he aware that in my constituency, in which about 3,000 people were unemployed last month, not a single job has been provided since it was created a development district? Will he therefore instruct his officials to advise prospective industrialists coming to that area of Fife that the same financial inducements are available in Kirkcaldy, Burntisland and Buckhaven, as exist in Glenrothes?
§ Mr. HeathI take the point that the hon. Member makes about the location of these places. We have been pointing out the advantages of other places in his constituency to industrialists, but the main movement has been to this area of growth.
§ Mr. GourlayIs it not a fact that, being a new town, Glenrothes is the baby of the Government, and particularly of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and that all industrialists are being channelled to the new town rather than to existing populations where education and other services are already available?
§ Mr. HeathI cannot accept the hon. Member's statement on that point. We are equally anxious that industrialists should go to other areas.