§ 55. Commander Purseyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of new factories opened in Hull in the last 12 months and the number of new jobs provided for unemployed; when the next new factory is likely to be opened; and how many unemployed will then become employed.
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§ Mr. D. PriceMy right hon. Friend understands that during the past 12 months six new factories and nine extensions of more than 5,000 sq. ft. have been opened in Hull and Hessle Employment Exchange Areas. The total area is 315,000 sq. ft. The additional employment estimated by the firms concerned to be provided is about 450 males and 400 females. I cannot say when the next factory to provide employment for those now unemployed will open.
§ 56. Commander Purseyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make to British firms the same offer as he has made to continental firms to enable them to build, buy or rent factories in Hull, in order to reduce unemployment; and how many British firms have been recommended to Hull in the last 12 months.
§ Mr. D. PriceAs Hull is not a development district under the Local Employment Act, my right hon. Friend has no powers to offer any assistance to firms, whether British or continental, to build, buy or rent factories there. In view of the priority which must be given to steering new industrial development to development districts, he has not taken any special steps to recommend firms to Hull, but industrial development certificates would be given suitable projects which could not go to areas of greater need.