HC Deb 05 July 1956 vol 555 cc1536-7
53. Mr. Lawson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will prepare an estimate of the average income per head in Scotland in 1948 and 1955 compared with the average in the same years for England and Wales.

Sir E. Boyle

Not at present. I think this subject has been very competently explored by private researches and I will send the hon. Member some references.

Mr. Lawson

Is the hon. Member aware that a group of economists attached to Glasgow University have published an estimate showing that the average income per head in Scotland is more than 10 per cent. less than that in England and Wales? Does he not think that this is rather serious for Scotland and will he take steps to let us have the accurate information very quickly?

Sir E. Boyle

That is rather a deep subject for Question Time. There is a very good article on the subject by Professor Cairncross, to which I am referring the hon. Gentleman.