HC Deb 27 October 1966 vol 734 cc1281-2
15. Mr. Dalyell

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to promote experiments in creating small publicly-owned industries in areas of underemployment.

Mr. Darling

None, Sir. The large number of publicly-owned factories, advance factories and others, now being built in the development areas together with the other financial assistance we provide to firms in these areas constitute the most valuable means of assisting further employment. These factories also provide opportunities for small-scale new industry to establish itself in these areas.

Mr. Dalyell

But, regrettably, is the Minister aware of the six empty advance factories in the Bathgate area at the present time, involving 40,000 sq. ft.? Is he aware of the 9 per cent. unemployment rate? Does his right hon. Friend recollect that in happier economic times, in October, 1965, I went to him and pleaded with him to conduct modest experiments along the lines of the Labour Party election manifesto on this subject of October, 1964?

Mr. Darling

Yes, Sir. I am aware both of the statements and the circumstances. But what we want to get in places like Bathgate is established industries which wish to expand in the development areas, and we are seeking such employers and industrialists for the factories which are available.

Mr. Barber

Will the right hon. Gentleman persuade his colleagues in the Labour Government to try, as a novel experiment for this Government, to encourage private enterprise?

Mr. Tinn

As, at the present time, free enterprise seems unlikely to give us the capital investment that we need for the future, does my right hon. Friend not agree that this is peculiarly the right time to make public investment to provide for that need?

Mr. Darling

I have been in most of the development areas during the recess and in the last few weeks. The most encouraging aspect of the situation there is the increasing number of inquiries for advance factories.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the situation is not encouraging? The report published this morning showed that production was stagnant in the first half of the year, private investment has fallen sharply in Scotland, we have more than three unemployed Scots for every available job, and the squeeze is only beginning. What is the Minister going to do about it?

Mr. Darling

During the last few weeks, I have laid foundation stones and opened advance factories in Scotland, every one of which has been taken by industrialists who are getting ready to move in.

Mr. Dalyell

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall be raising the matter during the Adjournment debate which you have given me on this subject on Monday.