HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc379-80
22. Mr. Monro

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress he is making in attracting industry to areas of pit closure in Scotland.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Since the beginning of 1965, 63 firms have decided to set up factories in the Scottish coalfield areas and at present employ some 1,140 men. About 12,600 more new jobs for men are expected to be created when these factories are fully manned, and from expansions now planned by firms already in these areas. Additional new jobs will be created in 19 advance factories yet to be allocated in these areas and my right hon. Friend will continue to use his powers to encourage further developments.

Mr. Monro

is the hon. Lady aware that as the latest round of pit closures rapidly approaches there seems to be little sign of industry coming to the new advance factories? Will she make this her top priority?

Mrs. Dunwoody

Certainly we are very anxious about the whole problem of the creation of employment, but the hon. Member will be aware that we are wing the special development areas particularly to deal with some of these problems.

Mr. William Hamilton

What progress is being made in investigation into the possibility of selling the coal now in stock at reduced prices as an additional inducement to industry to come to these areas?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I think that that question is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power, but we are obviously interested in helping in any way we can.

Mr. Lawson

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Regional Employment Premium and the Selective Employment Tax, utilised properly, can be of great advantage in these areas? Can she see that this kind of thing continues?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I shall certainly take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Would the hon. Lady agree that about a score of advance factories are already standing idle in Scotland? What is the point of adding to advance factories so long as Government policies make it impossible to fill those which are already there?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We are determined that when the upturn in the economy comes—[HON. MEMBERS: "When?"]—we shall have advance factories available in order to be able to provide accommodation for industry.