HC Deb 02 May 1984 vol 59 cc335-6
7. Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small units the English Industrial Estates Corporation has completed in the last three months.

Mr. Trippier

In the three months to the end of February 1984 the English Industrial Estates Corporation has completed 127 small factories and workshop units.

Mr. Grylls

Does my hon. Friend agree that that is a creditable progress report by the English Industrial Estates Corporation and good news for small firms for which finding premises is often a problem? Can my hon. Friend tell the House what the EIEC is doing to help industry, particularly the new technologies, to find suitable premises?

Mr. Trippier

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his earlier remarks. Many of the EIEC's new factories are designed and built with the high-tech user in mind. In fact, some sites are specifically dedicated for that type of user. In addition, the EIEC has embarked on an experimental programme in an attempt to bring together business people and academics, by building specific small workshop units on university campuses.

Mr. Hardy

While it is gratifying, and indeed creditable, that the EIEC has built so many units in the last three months, is it not more important that we should learn how many have been occupied? Can the Minister give that figure?

Mr. Trippier

I am surprised at the hon. Gentleman raising that point, because whereas about 18 months ago the level of vacancies was about 23 per cent., that figure has dropped dramatically to the present level of 16 per cent. It is getting better all the time.

Mr. Budgen

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the west midlands there is a large and growing surplus of all forms of factory accommodation? Does he agree that if public bodies add to that surplus, not only do they waste the money of the ratepayer and taxpayer, but diminish the value of existing factories, thereby undermining the security of surviving industries?

Mr. Trippier

The vacant premises to which my hon. Friend refers may not be the right type required by industry at present. However, I reiterate what I said earlier. The figure, which is now coming down, is very encouraging.

Mr. Bellingham

Is my hon. Friend aware of an important development which the English Industrial Estates Corporation is planning for Hunstanton in my constituency? Is he also aware of the growing pressure to move the EIEC to the private sector? After all, this is the largest industrial development agency in the country and would be far better suited to the private sector. Does he plan to put pressure on the Secretary of State to move it there?

Mr. Trippier

I agree with my hon. Friend.