HC Deb 15 November 1971 vol 826 cc8-9W
50. Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many advance factories remain empty in the constituency of Houghton-le-Spring and in the Northern Region; what is the total floor space involved; and how many new jobs would accrue from occupation.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Twenty-one new advance factories and three formerly occupied advance factories are empty in the Northern Region. The total floor space is 512,000 sq. ft. One, of 15,000 sq. ft., is in the Houghton-le-Spring constituency. The amount of employment which future occupants will provide depends on the nature of their business.

63. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for an advance factory programme.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Consideration of a further general programme would be premature until more of the advanced factories already available or authorised have been taken up.

67. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his estimate of the number of jobs lost in the Northern Region by technological change during 1971; and how these losses compare with the number of jobs created by his Department's policies during the same period.

Mr. Anthony Grant

It is not possible to measure gains or losses in employment due to technological change. Additional employment from industrial development certificates approved in the Northern Region in the first nine months of this year is estimated by the applicants at 4,470 when the projects are complete and fully manned.

71. Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many advance factories have been occupied since June 1970 in the Northern Region and in the constituency of Houghton-le-Spring; and how many new jobs, male and female, have been provided.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Ten in the Northern Region, none in Houghton-le-Spring, and about 1,200 jobs, including about 850 for males, when the factories are in full production.

76. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to enable the direction of industry to the Northern Region and other areas of high unemployment.

Mr. Anthony Grant

No.

Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms have left the Northern Region or curtailed industrial activity since June, 1970; and what is the total job loss to the region.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I regret that this information is not available.