HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc496-8
11. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the Merseyside Development Area has been allotted a low proportion of the total number of advance factories built since 1960; and what steps he is taking to ensure that this deficiency is rectified in the future.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Government advance factories are provided having regard to the circumstances of each assisted area. Private developers and the new town corporations have met a high proportion of Merseyside's needs and are continuing to do so.

Mr. Tilney

As in the 1960–70 programme, out of 229 advance factories Merseyside only got 10, will my hon. Friend consider the provision of more small advance factories in that area?

Mr. Grant

We will certainly always consider it, but it is only right to say that unemployment on Merseyside has generally been marginally lower than that in other development areas with which we are concerned, and a number of factories have been supplied by sources other than the Department for Trade and Industry.

Mr. Urwin

Does not this Question clearly underline the necessity for the Government to introduce a further supplementary to the advance factory programme so successfully carried out by the previous Government? Would it not resolve the problems of the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) if this policy were to be extended in this way?

Mr. Grant

With respect, I do not think that that follows, because in this area, by contrast with other areas, there is usually a fair amount of existing industrial property available at any one time.

Mr. Varley

Will the Minister inform his hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) that during the last period of Conservative Government only 46 advance factories were authorised, whereas under the last Government 220 were authorised? This is the significant difference in policy. Will not the hon. Gentleman consider the matter, and take the opportunity of announcing that there is to be a further advance programme this year?

Mr. Grant

Not at this stage. I must remind the hon. Gentleman that it is one thing to provide factories in the development areas and another to provide firms to fill them.