§ 10. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Government's progress in promoting trade and industry in Scotland and on its plans to extend and expand trade and industry there and export trade to northern Europe, indicating the proposed extension of transport for export facilities.
§ Mr. DarlingIn the six months October to March, 4.4 million sq. ft. of72W industrial development in Scotland has been approved and is expected to provide 8,600 new jobs compared with 2.9 million sq. ft. and 7,330 jobs in the corresponding period a year earlier. In addition, 26 firms whose projects are estimated to require 3,700 employees have decided to establish units in Scotland.
We shall continue our efforts to get more industry to Scotland to ensure that Scotland gets its proper share of the growth of the economy as a whole that the Government seeks to attain. In the exports field we shall continue to promote links with E.F.T.A. countries and to help and encourage firms, throughout the United Kingdom, to export to Northern Europe and elsewhere. It is in the first instance for the suppliers of the services concerned to consider whether the demand justifies an extension of transport facilities for exports.
§ 49. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will detail his actions during the last five months to increase trade and industry in the north-east of Scotland.
§ Mr. DarlingIn the five months up to the end of March 1965 financial assistance totalling over £200,000 was offered under the Local Employment Acts provisions to firms for projects in N.E. Scotland which are estimated to provide employment for more than 500 persons. In addition, the attention of other firms with suitable projects has been drawn to the advance factories becoming available in the area.
Board of Trade officials in Scotland have been active in encouraging and helping many firms in N.E. Scotland to take advantage of the assistance that the Government can give to the exporter.