asked the President of the Board of Trade what investigations he has made into the purchase and closing down of Burnley cotton mills with orders on their books with its resulting unemployment; and what action he is taking to accelerate the introduction of new industries into the town as requested by the Burnley Borough Council in correspondence from the Town Clerk on 15th November.

I have called for a report from my Regional Controller on the situation in Burnley.

The hon. Member will know that the Board of Trade is building an extension for a factory at Padiham and intends to build a large factory at Burnley for a firm which manufactures motor tyres.

Is the Minister aware that the population of Burnley has gone down by 10,000 in the last few years, and that a little extra employment at Padiham will not meet the case? Would he agree that a deputation from the Burnley Borough Council might discuss the matter with his Regional Controller in the first instance?

Yes, Sir. I shall be glad to arrange for such a deputation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what use is to be made of the Government-built Magnesium Electron factory near Burnley, which is now standing idle; if he will consider adapting it for some other manufacturing process or, alternatively, if the site can be cleared and made available for a new industry directed into the area.

A small part of the property is being used for storage, and some of the machinery and scrap has been sold. The rest will be offered for sale as soon as possible. I have no power to direct industry to any area.