HC Deb 03 July 1964 vol 697 cc292-3W
Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will authorise the building of an advance factory as an inducement to industrialists to come to Whitehaven and Cleator Moor.

Mr. Heath

I am not at present prepared to authorise any advance factories beyond those announced on 30th April.

Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will take steps to create new jobs in the Whitehaven and Cleator Moor area, in view of the fact that unemployment there is more than twice the average in the country; and how many new jobs he expects there to be.

Mr. du Cann

The Whitehaven and Cleator Moor area is eligible for the full benefits of the Local Employments Acts. The number of new jobs will largely depend on the extent to which firms avail themselves of these benefits.

Mr. Symonds

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many applications he is considering from firms who have expressed a desire to come to the Whitehaven and Cleator Moor area.

Mr. du Cann

One application by a firm wishing to go to the Whitehaven and Cleator Moor area is under consideration. In addition, financial assistance has been offered for six local expansions, and thirteen other applications for assistance from local firms are still under consideration.