HC Deb 20 December 1967 vol 756 cc424-5W
109. Mr. Doig

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has secured a tenant for the advance factory in Dundee which is due to be completed this month, and for his Department's two other factories in Dundee which are being renovated, in order to provide employment for those who are presently unemployed in this city.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

The advance factory has been allocated. I cannot yet disclose the name of the firm concerned. We are doing our best to find tenants for the two factories at present under repair.

Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a further statement on the advance factory in Sunderland at present unoccupied.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

The advance factory of 50,000 sq. ft. in Sunderland has not yet been taken. We will continue to make every effort to find a suitable occupant.

Mr. Mikardo

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Government-owned factories in the development areas are now empty; and what was the date of completion of each of these factories.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody:

The following are the numbers of advance factories authorised in programmes announced since October, 1964, which have been completed but have not yet been occupied:

England—7 factories completed in August and November, 1966; February, March, July, August and September, 1967.

Scotland—13 factories completed in September and November, 1966; February, March, July, (4), October (2) and November (3), 1967.

Wales—12 factories completed in January, March, June, July (2), August, September, and November (5), 1967.

In addition, there are 29 factories on Board of Trade industrial estates completed a t various times which have previously been occupied but are now vacant; 14 of these are in England, 12 in Scotland, and 3 in Wales.