HC Deb 20 November 1973 vol 864 cc404-5W
Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will sanction a programme of advance factories on sites on each side of the River Dee, namely, at Shotton, Sandycroft, Mold, Buckley, Flint, Chester and Bebington, totalling some 235,000 square feet; what the cost of such a proposed programme would be; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The needs of the area are under review. A programme of this size would cost about £2 million.

Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has for siting new industry, complementary to the Shotton steelworks finishing section, adjacent to Shotton Steelworks; what discussions he has had with the British Domestic Appliances Company Limited towards this end; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

In our discussions with industrialists who are considering setting up new projects we are, in appropriate cases, drawing their attention to the advantages of a location near to the, Shotton Steel works finishing section. To disclose information about negotiations with individual companies would be a breach of confidence.

District 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973
London 25 21 22 21 21 11
outhern 23 19 20 20 21 18
North West England and Northern Ireland 25 20 19 19 17 10
North East Coast and Scotland 29 25 23 23 23 16
Totals 102 85 84 83 82 55

In addition some Customs and Excise officials hold appointments as superintendents.

Since 1st January 1973 superintendents have been appointed under Section 81 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 and are no longer required to witness on board ship the signing on and signing off of crews. This accounts for the marked reduction in the 1973 figures.