asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to induce new industries to develop a suitable site at Carlisle Road, Airdrie; and if he will make a statement.

The Board of Trade Office for Scotland brings the site at Carlisle Road, Airdrie to the notice of firms for which it may be suitable, and will continue to do so. The benefits available under the Local Employment Act would apply to industrial developments there.

We are extremely grateful for the excellent efforts of the Scottish Controller and his staff but, so far, they have not been successful. Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in this locality we have the highest unemployment complement of the whole of Lanarkshire, and will he try to take some extraordinary and special measures to steer industries to this site?

I fully sympathise with my hon. Friend. As he knows, we are proposing three new advance factories within quite a short distance of this area, and a new estate at Bellshill is shortly to be developed. We shall continue to pursue the effort which he has in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the need of areas outside the central belt of Scotland as well when announcing advance factories?

Yes, in accordance with their needs.