Kirkcaldy Development District

Oral Answers to Questions — Industry, Trade and Regional Development – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 March 1964.

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Photo of Mr Harry Gourlay Mr Harry Gourlay , Kirkcaldy District of Burghs 12:00, 19 March 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many firm commitments have been made by industrialists to develop in the Kirkcaldy development district since 1st January, 1963; and how many jobs are likely to be provided for males and females, respectively.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

Twelve, which are expected to provide about 1,850 jobs for males and for females.

Photo of Mr Harry Gourlay Mr Harry Gourlay , Kirkcaldy District of Burghs

Is the Minister aware that nearly all those jobs are being provided in the new town of Glenrothes? Further, is he aware that in my constituency, in which about 3,000 people were unemployed last month, not a single job has been provided since it was created a development district? Will he therefore instruct his officials to advise prospective industrialists coming to that area of Fife that the same financial inducements are available in Kirkcaldy, Burntisland and Buckhaven, as exist in Glenrothes?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I take the point that the hon. Member makes about the location of these places. We have been pointing out the advantages of other places in his constituency to industrialists, but the main movement has been to this area of growth.

Photo of Mr Harry Gourlay Mr Harry Gourlay , Kirkcaldy District of Burghs

Is it not a fact that, being a new town, Glenrothes is the baby of the Government, and particularly of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and that all industrialists are being channelled to the new town rather than to existing populations where education and other services are already available?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statement on that point. We are equally anxious that industrialists should go to other areas.