§ Mr. Timmonsasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of inquiries made for factories in Lanarkshire during 1958.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere were six direct inquiries. In addition, of those firms making general inquiries eight which seemed to offer definite prospects were referred to North Lanarkshire.
§ Mr. Timmonsasked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the heavy unemployment in Lanarkshire, how many new factories are being planned for the area; the total factory area; and by what date he expects the completion of any of the factories.
§ Sir D. EcclesTwo new factories and 10 extensions are now under construction, totalling nearly 600,000 sq. ft. Six of these should be completed before the end of next month and the remainder by November next. The resultant additional employment is estimated as 1,100 jobs.
In addition, 3 new factories and 7 extensions have been approved. These total 330,000 sq. ft. in area and should provide in due course 1,000 jobs. Completion dates are not yet available.