48. Mr. Davidsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the in creasing disparity in economic conditions of the people of Scotland and England; and will he set up a Royal Commission to inquire into and report on this matter?
§ Sir S. HoareRecent unemployment figures do not bear out the suggestion in the first part of the question. The problem of areas in which economic prosperity is below the average is common to 1282 England and Scotland; and is being considered by the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of the Industrial Population to which conditions in Scotland have been fully represented. In the circumstances I do not feel that there is any ground for the appointment of a Royal Commission as suggested in the second part of the question.
Mr. DavidsonIn view of the representations which have been made to the Government with regard to economic conditions in Scotland, is legislation contemplated in the immediate future to remedy those conditions?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is obviously another question and had better be put on the Paper.
§ Mr. R. GibsonWill the right hon. Gentleman circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures on which he based his previous answer?
§ Sir S. HoareI will look into the hon. and learned Gentleman's suggestion and see whether it is possible.