§ 16. Sir D. Robertsonasked the President of the Board of Trade why he finds it difficult to attract North American industrialists to Scotland, in view of the fact that production costs there are much less than in the United States of America and Canada, that profitable European sales can be made at selling prices up to 40 per cent. below those prevailing in North America, and that skilled and unskilled labour is available.
§ Sir D. EcclesSince the war, thirty-two North American firms currently employing at least 18,000 people have been established in Scotland. Ten of these 1495 have come in the last three years. The advantages which Scotland has to offer are becoming more widely known in the United States and Canada.
§ Sir D. RobertsonI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware of Scotland's great need for diversification of industry and of her very serious unemployment, which is almost double that of England? Is he aware that sometimes in constituencies like mine there are 20 men unemployed to one man unemployed in London?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir, and we are taking special steps to assist those who are publicising the advantages of Scotland among American manufacturers.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all those North American firms which have come to Scotland have expressed themselves delighted with the quality of labour and workmanship which they get there? Can he take steps to make that known to other firms wanting to set up businesses in Europe?
§ Sir D. EcclesWe are doing that, and I think that the arrangements recently made in Stockholm will help us to get American firms to go to Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacLeodWill my right hon. Friend also remember that Invergordon is nearer by sea and air to many North American ports than to ports in the industrial South?
§ Sir D. EcclesWe will bring that to the notice of all those undertaking this propaganda in North America.