§ Mr. Wilkesasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of factory projects within the North East Development Area now postponed; what percentage this represents of all factory projects approved or in course of building; and to what extent Development Areas will be given priority in the restoration of the cuts already imposed in the capital investment programme.
§ Mr. H. WilsonThe construction of 68 new factories and extensions of 5,000 square feet and over has had to be postponed. This represents 18½ per cent. of the total number of factory building projects approved for the North-Eastern Development Area. Of the 367 projects approved at the end of April, 127 had already been completed, 159 were in various stages of construction and 13 others were due to proceed. I cannot forecast when the present restrictions on industrial building will be relaxed, or what decisions may be taken as a result 19W of any relaxation which may be possible at some future date. My hon. Friend, may, however, be assured that we shall have regard to the special needs of the Development Areas.