§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many advance factories have been provided in Scotland, in Wales, and the Yorkshire and Humberside area in the last five years; and how many are contemplated for the next three years.
§ Mr. CryerIn the five years to September 1977, 31 advance factories were completed in the Yorkshire and Humberside Region, including two factories funded by the Development Commission. A further 21 factories, including three factories funded by the Development Commission, were under construction. Work on another 25 factories, including 17 factories funded by the Development Commission, has yet to start.
I expect to announce a further programme of factories shortly, including some for Yorkshire and Humberside. It is not possible to estimate with any precision what numbers will be provided over the next three years.
The building of advance factories in Scotland and Wales is for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland 93W and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales respectively.