§ 9. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what inquiries have been received for the Government advance factories on the Kitty-brewster Estate, Blyth; what are the prospects in regard to job opportunities in the advance factories during the next six months; and if he will make a statement .
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNegotiations are in progress with firms interested in both vacant advance factories on the Department's Blyth Estate. Job prospects will depend on these negotiations and on the type of industry attracted.
§ Mr. MilneIs the Minister aware that we are not taking adequate opportunities in regard to the available advance factories in development districts? Does he not agree that there are far too many job opportunities lying wasted in un-tenanted advance factories? Therefore, will the Government take special measures in the coming weeks to remedy the situation?
§ Mr. GrantOn the narrow point of the estate to which the Question refers, I understand that it is owned by the local authority. My answer was related to Government advance factories. If there is any difficulty over this matter, perhaps any confusion can be cleared in correspondence. On the general point, it is desirable to get the empty advance factories occupied as soon as possible, and the measures announced by the Government in the Industry Bill and our general economic measures should assist in this direction.
§ Mr. R. W. ElliottDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that whether we are thinking of an advance factory in Kitty-brewster or a factory anywhere else in the North East of England, the reflation of the economy undertaken by the present Government is one of the most encouraging features of economic life which we have known in the North East of England for many years?
§ Mr. MilneIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on 8 the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.