HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 c187
22. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage more light industries in Scotland.

Sir D. Eccles

I am making every effort to interest companies in setting up new factories in those parts of Scotland which have special unemployment problems.

Mr. Hughes

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that his efforts to get these companies to come to Scotland will be helped if missile rocket bases are established there? Is he aware that the Scottish T.U.C. is of the opinion that if these missile bases are established in North and North-East Scotland they will drive employment away? Does he not think it would be better to establish more useful industries that are not yet obsolete?

Sir D. Eccles

I should have thought that it would be more likely to bring more money into those parts.

Commander Donaldson

As it is not anticipated that rocket sites are to be established in South-East Scotland, will my right hon. Friend keep in mind the needs of Jedburgh, in Roxburghshire, about which we have had a lot of correspondence and discussion?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes.