HC Deb 19 June 1958 vol 589 cc1289-90
12. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the recent increase in unemployment in the City and County of Aberdeen, what steps he plans to take to mitigate it by the introduction of new light industries there.

Sir D. Eccles

In April, the Board of Trade Controller for Scotland visited Aberdeen and district and discussed the employment position fully with the local authorities and the Chairman of the District Committee of the Scottish Board for Industry. We shall do what we can do to bring the facilities available in the area to the notice of firms looking for new premises.

Mr. Hughes

But what has the right hon. Gentleman done about light industry? Does he realise that a ton of precision instruments is worth more than a ton of the products of heavy industry, and that this is of particular value to a place like Aberdeen, which is harassed by high freight rates? I have asked this question often. Will the right hon. Gentleman direct his mind to it and say what he has done about it?

Sir D. Eccles

I do direct my mind to it, but I cannot direct any particular industry.