HC Deb 18 May 1965 vol 712 cc1199-200
27. Mr. Pounder

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for establishing new scientifically-based industries in Northern Ireland.

The Minister of Technology (Mr. Frank Cousins)

I have no such plans at present.

Mr. Pounder

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an idea when he will have plans for such industries, bearing in mind the suitability of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Cousins

The whole problem of the difficult and under-developed areas and the areas of high unemployment is being considered both by the Department of Economic Affairs and ourselves, and we hope to produce some information very quickly.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Will the Minister bear in mind the excellent work of the men and women who are available in Ulster and the fact that precision industries do not require the transport of heavy bulk raw materials?

Mr. Cousins

Certainly; this will be the kind of information we hope to put before industrialists to encourage them to take up the opportunities which present themselves there.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Will the right hon. Gentleman say which industries he would regard as not being scientifically based?

Mr. Cousins

It would be extremely difficult, but I have a responsibility for a number of defined industries.