§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the Fife and Kinross Small Burghs Association on industrial development in Fife; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. MaclayI have received from the Association a copy of a resolution, passed at a conference which it convened on 22nd March, expressing concern about the prospects of redundancy in the mining industry and calling on the Government to include Fife as one of the areas to which further industry should be directed. I have acknowledged the Association's letter.
The Government have no power to direct industry to any area but the announcement yesterday by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade of the addition of the Dunfermline — Cowdenbeath — Inver-keithing—Burntisland employment exchange areas and Anstruther to the list of development districts under the Local Employment Act is an indication of our desire to do all in our power to help promote further employment in those areas of Fife which are most in need of additional employment.