§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will make a statement on the working and effect on Scottish industry of the Local Employment Act 1960, since it came into operation, indicating the number, nature and location of the industries, workers and areas affected and the influence of that Act on the employment position in Scotland.
§ Mr. D. PriceNearly every development district in Scotland has benefited from the introduction of new projects or from local expansions, or both, assisted by the Local Employment Acts. Financial assistance offered has reached over £53 million for 300 projects expected to provide 44,000 additional jobs.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps he has taken during the last five years to expand industry in North-East Scotland; and with what result.
§ Mr. D. PriceMy right hon. Friend has made full use of his powers under the Local Employment Acts, and earlier legislation, to encourage industrial development in North-East Scotland. Since the beginning of 1959 offers of assistance under the Acts amounted to over £400,000. During this period the Board of Trade issued 44 industrial development certificates covering 975,000 sq. ft., for projects estimated to provide nearly 1,100 jobs.