HC Deb 24 July 1972 vol 841 cc211-2W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many inquiries his Department is currently handling from firms considering the possibility of locating new productive capacity in Scotland; and of the inquiries how many come from firms presently within Scotland, and how many from firms out with Scotland.

Mr. Chataway

159 inquiries have been received since 22nd March, 1972. 96 of these were non-Scottish in origin.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the statement made recently by Mr. Denis Kirby, that a number of major companies have made inquiries about locating factories in Scotland, was made with his authority; if he will indicate how firm these inquiries have been; and when he is likely to be able to make a full statement on the outcome of any negotiations which are taking place.

Mr. Chataway

The Press Report was an informal discussion with the Industrial Director for Scotland. The Department has at any one time a number of inquiries from major companies about locations in Scotland. It is not the practice to reveal details of confidential discussions with individual firms.

Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the recent statement made by Mr. Denis Kirby, that trade unions in Scotland should become more involved in promotional activities designed to lead to the attraction of new industries, was made with his authority; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy to achieve this objective.

Mr. Chataway

The trade unions in Scotland have on past occasions played a valuable part in encouraging new pro- jects to Scotland. I would hope that they would continue to do so.