HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc585-6W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the South Ayrshire Trades Council seeking an expansion of factory building at Caponacre estate, Cumnock.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

None.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Strathclyde Survey 1976 states that the Cumnock and Doon Valley and Kyle and Carrick Districts are noticeably deficient in readily available industrial sites; and if he intends to offer councils in these areas additional help to overcome this problem.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

I am aware of the contents of this report. The Scottish Development Agency is in close consultation with local authorities about their requirements for industrial sites and factories. Priority will be given to the most deserving areas.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advantages the Girvan employment exchange area has over other areas of Strathclyde in respect of aid available to incoming industrialists.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

Girvan, like many other areas in Strathclyde, is a special development area. The remainder of the region has development area status. The principal difference in the incentives available is that regional development grant is paid at the rate of

Glasgow; and if he will also give as a percentage the number of households this represented in each of these local authority areas.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The information is as follows:

22 per cent. in special development areas, as against 20 per cent. in Development Areas.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Government-financed advance factories have been built on the Grangestone industrial estate, Girvan; how many are occupied; and how many male jobs have been created in these factories.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

Responsibility for Government-financed advance factories now rests with the Scottish Development Agency, but I understand that there are two SDA advance factories on this estate both of which are occupied.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received a copy of the Strathclyde Survey Report, which shows a possible job loss of 20,000 in Ayrshire by 1983; and what comments he has submitted.

Mr. McElhone

Yes, for information. It is not for my right hon. Friend to comment at this stage.