HC Deb 21 May 1973 vol 857 c21
24. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts are being made to encourage the motor car industry in Lanarkshire.

Mr. Onslow

The motor industry, in planning development, is able to take into account the facilities and Government financial assistance available in the assisted areas, which include Lanarkshire.

Mr. Hamilton

I think the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he appreciate that in Lanarkshire 7.2 per cent. of the insurable population are unemployed? Will he try to sell to those concerned the fact that already in Lanarkshire we have Honeywell, General Motors and the Caterpillar Company, and they have authorised me to say that the workers in Lanarkshire are second to none? Will he try to reduce the figure of 7.2 per cent. unemployed and to bring something worth while to the county?

Mr. Onslow

It is basically a matter for the motor industry to formulate its own proposals in the first instance, but I am sure that it will take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said.