HC Deb 08 February 1967 vol 740 cc302-4W
66. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now allocate the advance factory scheduled for the north-east of Scotland.

Mr. Darling

My right hon. Friend has decided that it will be built at Elgin.

74. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state his plans for more advance factories in Aberdeen, indicating the extent of each, how many he has plans for, and when and where they will be built.

Mr. Darling

It is too early yet to consider adding to the advance factory programme announced last November.

76. Mr. Spriggs

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement upon the progress of his proposals for the further programme of advance factories in the development areas; what consultations have taken place with the local government authorities concerned; whether consideration of the provision of sites and planning has commenced; and with what success he met when putting his proposals before the St. Helens local authority.

Mr. Jay

Construction of four of the 21 factories announced last November has begun, and construction of two more is expected to begin within the next week or so. The site being considered at St. Helen's was suggested by the local authority last year before the advance factory programme was announced.

Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many advance factories he has built in and about the city of Aberdeen during the last five years; how many he plans to build there; when they will be built; where they will be located; what will be the accommodation of each; and how many pending applications he has for them.

Mr. Jay

Two advance factories have been announced for Aberdeen and district. One of 12,500 sq. ft. is being erected at West Tullos, and I hope that it will be completed in April next. The second factory of 27,500 sq. ft. will be built on an adjacent site and work will commence almost immediately. There has been one application for the first factory and none so far for the second.