HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc1633-4
20. Mr. Brewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now build an advance factory in the Machars of Wigtownshire.

Mr. Jay

I am aware of the employment problem in the Machars, and I am willing to encourage any industrialist wishing to establish a suitable project there. I have no plans to build an advance factory there at the moment.

Mr. Brewis

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account that, since his Government came into power with promises of regional development, the unemployment rate in the area has risen from 4 to 10 per cent.? Will he do something for the area other than appointing just another committee?

Mr. Jay

The hon. Gentleman is quoting the winter figure which, naturally, is higher than the average for the year. But I agree that it is high and everything possible must be done.