Industrial Development, West Lothian

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 23 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr George Mathers Mr George Mathers , Linlithgowshire 12:00, 23 Ionawr 1947

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will improve the prospects of the county of Linlithgow attracting new industries by abolishing the arbitrary line of demarcation between development and non-development areas which cuts the county in two and is wholly unjustified by any test that can be applied.

Photo of Sir Stafford Cripps Sir Stafford Cripps , Bristol East

I am prepared to consider sympathetically requests from industrialists to build factories themselves in the part of West Lothian which is excluded from the development area, but on present evidence I do not consider that any readjustment of boundaries of the development area is justified in advance of the general reconsideration of this matter which will have to be undertaken next year in accordance with Section 7 of the Act.

Photo of Mr George Mathers Mr George Mathers , Linlithgowshire

Is, the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his attitude is out of keeping with the attitude of those most competent to judge in' this matter? Is he also aware that in this matter the Government, who are otherwise highly esteemed, earn a very high black mark?