§ Mr. Laurance Reedasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he has completed his study of the North-West Industrial Development Association's report on the problem of out-dated industrial premises; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what studies his Department have made of the relationship between industrial productivity and the age of industrial property.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantYes, and I am satisfied that productivity may be impaired by out-dated buildings. One of the objects of the proposal now before the House to make regional development grant available for industrial building throughout the Assisted Areas is to encourage the modernisation and renewal of out-dated buildings so as to promote greater efficiency, competitiveness, and stable employment.