HC Deb 05 March 1973 vol 852 cc3-5W
39. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many inquiries were made for Government factories in Scotland in 1972; how many were allocated; how many jobs are expected to result; and how these figures compare with a year ago.

Mr. Chataway

Eighty-two applications were received in 1972. Fifty-four factories were allocated with an expecta- tion of about 3,700 jobs. Six applications are still being dealt with. In 1971 57 applications led to the allocation of 33 factories to provide an estimated 2,400 jobs.

40. Mr. R. W. Elliott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for advance factory building in areas likely to be affected by redundancies in coal and steel.

Mr. Chataway

Thirty-seven of the 52 new advance factories which were announced on 15th January will be in areas where they will help to cope with redundancies in the coal and steel industries.

Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many advance factories are now vacant in each region; and how this compares with the position a year ago.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Following is the information:

End February 1973 End February 1972
England
Northern 4 18
North West 4 4
Yorkshire and Humberside 2 2
South West 1 2
East Midlands 1
Total England 11 27
Scotland 14 19
Wales 6 6
Total 31 52

Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for building advance factories in Yorkshire and Humberside; and how many jobs are likely to result.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The advance factory programme announced on 15th January 1973 is the largest ever and will include eight factories to be built in the region. When fully operational these factories are expected to provide up to 400 jobs.

Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many advance factories have been allocated since the announcement of new regional measures on 22nd March 1972; and how many jobs are expected to result.

Mr. Chataway

Between 22nd March 1972 and 31st January 1973, 41 advance factories were allocated. About 3,200 jobs are expected to be provided when the factories are fully manned.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the localities in which advance factories have been announced by Her Majesty's Government in Mid-Wales since June 1970.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Two—in Brecon and Cardigan.