§ 7. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make available grants to local authorities to adapt existing properties which are vacant as part of a local advance factory programme.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Bruce Millan)There is no provision for grants to be paid to local authorities to build factories or adapt existing buildings in advance of specific demand. Regional development grants under Part I of the Industry Act 1972 can be paid when it is demonstrated that the premises qualify, but this can be determined only when an occupant has been found.
§ Mr. SteelDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a gap here in our otherwise excellent provision for attracting new industry? Is he aware that in towns such as Selkirk and Hawick, where both people and buildings have been declared redundant, the quickest and cheapest way of attracting new employment is to adapt existing buildings where suitable? I think that some change in the legislation is required to enable 1512 that to happen, because it cannot be done at the moment.
§ Mr. MillanI doubt whether I agree that that is enough. I recollect that this matter was debated during the passage of the 1972 legislation. Other agencies are available to provide advance factories, and I have arranged for officials of my Department to discuss with local authorities concerned whether we can help them. I appreciate the points that the local authorities are making, and that what they would like to do is a good idea, but the legislation does not allow me to help in the way they wish.
§ Mr. CanavanIn the next allocation of advance factories, will my right hon. Friend have regard to the needs of Kilsyth, where the unemployment percentage is among the highest in Scotland and where the local authority is doing everything possible to try to accommodate another advance factory?
§ Mr. MillanI shall have regard to the needs of Kilsyth and to those of a number of other areas about which I have received representations.