§ 43. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade what new industries he contemplates starting in the City of Aberdeen; where they will be located; and how many persons of each sex, respectively, they will employ.
§ The Secretary for Overseas Trade (Mr. Bottomley)We are aware of the needs of the City of Aberdeen and everything possible will be done to interest industrialists in the facilities available in this area, particularly if they are prepared to employ men. But my hon. and learned Friend will understand that new building must for the present be restricted to projects meeting essential needs.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that new industries were authoritatively promised to Aberdeen recently and that there is plenty of accommodation available? Is he aware that they are badly needed and that there is unemployment, particularly in the shipbuilding and agricultural industries? Will he see that this promise is implemented as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BottomleyThanks to post-war Labour Governments 28 new industrial projects have been licensed for the city. The figures for unemployed have gone down from 3,020 in January of this year to 1,640 today.
§ Lady TweedsmuirWill the Minister assure us that as far as existing industries in the City of Aberdeen are concerned he will do everything he can to ensure that their allocations of scarce raw materials are honoured, because there is very considerable short-time working? One factory has been closed altogether.