HC Deb 11 November 1958 vol 595 cc183-4
35. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will extend Her Majesty's Government's declared policy of directing Government orders to Northern Ireland as a special needy area to high unemployment areas in Scotland.

Mr. Amory

This policy already applies to the areas mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer assuring me that the Ministry of Supply and other Government Departments have a conscious location of orders policy which is operated with a view to stimulating industry in towns which are losing population? Would not he agree that this is one of the best ways of stimulating local enterprise rather than to import enterprises into those areas?

Mr. Amory

I was saying that the plans which the Government have been operating since 1950, to give preference to Government orders in areas where the unemployment figures are above the average, still obtain, and cover areas of heavy unemployment in Scotland.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some indication of such action with regard to Scotland, because I am afraid it is not widely known at the moment?

Mr. Ellis Smith

And England?

Mr. Amory

I will look into the point that the right hon. Gentleman has raised.