§ 60. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in carrying out his policy for the location of industry, he will bear in mind the existence of derelict factories in London that have been closed for a number of years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantYes. Vacant factories can be occupied and in some cases renovated without the need for an industrial development certificate. The control over industrial development certificates is operated strictly in London and certificates are not available for the speculative redevelopment of vacant factories. I would however be prepared to consider applications for redevelopment of such factories from firms planned out of their premises in London or from other suitable London firms with very strong ties to the area.