HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc937-8W
Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many inquiries have been received from industrialists seeking sites in the Garnock Valley since the BSC steel closure programme was announced; and how many visits have been made.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

Most of the inquiries about industrial sites received by the Scottish Economic Planning Department relate to Scotland generally and not to particular areas. Records are, however, maintained of the areas suggested to inquirers, and since the Steel Closure Review was published on 6th August 1975 the Garnock Valley, including Irvine New Town, has been suggested to 67 industrialists seeking locations in Scotland. Four visits have been made.

Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the firms that have been attracted to the Garnock Valley since the current round of steel closures by BSC was announced, with the number of potential jobs involved in each case.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

Since the Steel Closure Review was published on 6th August 1975 the following firms have been established in the area:

Glen Carpets Beith
Newage Engineers Ltd Irvine
Fraser & Borthwick Engineering Services Ltd "
Morrison Whyte UK Ltd "
Gemina Star Upholstery "
Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd "
Glasgow Valve & Fitting Co. "
Mackenzie Golf (Scotland) Ltd "
Apollo Design "
Bowman Office Equipment "
Bola Engineering "
Andrew Wright Ltd "
Millens Auto Services "
Dawn Construction "

For reasons of confidentiality I cannot disclose potential employment figures for individual firms, but those mentioned above, together with two other projects which are expected to be announced shortly, are expected to provide about 400 new jobs.

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