§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that last year 28 new industrial projects were licensed for the City of Aberdeen; how many have been established so far; and when the remaining industries will be established there.
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)Two industrial projects were licensed last year in the Aberdeen area and a total of 22 new projects and extensions have been licensed since the end of the war. Out of this latter figure, 20 have been completed while the two licensed last year are still under construction.
§ Mr. HughesIs the President aware that the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), in its latest Report on unemployment and industry in the Aberdeen district, recommends that steps 1494 should be taken to stimulate basic industries and to establish new industries to prevent unemployment? Will he consider that authoritative Report with a view to taking action on the lines that it recommends?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI will certainly consider the Report carefully. The hon. and learned Gentleman may like to know that unemployment in Aberdeen is less now than it was two years ago.