§ 49. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he has yet completed his consideration of the facts about industry and unemployment in Scotland which were put to him during his official visit there in May; and if he will now state his plans to abolish unemployment in North-East Scotland by attracting new industries and expanding existing industries there.
§ The Prime MinisterI hope to write shortly to the Scottish Trades Union Congress about the various matters raised at our meeting. As regards the North-East of Scotland, continuous efforts are being made by the Government to bring to the attention of industrial firms the facilities available in the area. Factories may be built by the Development Fund in the Buckie/Peterhead area, and assistance through the Development Areas Treasury Advisory Committee is available for this area and in Aberdeen.
§ Mr. HughesI am obliged to the Prime Minister for his particular reference to the North-East of Scotland, but is he aware that his plans have failed there? There is considerable unemployment in that area. Will the Prime Minister tell the House why he has failed?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. and learned Gentleman knows, and I am sure is gratified to know, that conditions are steadily improving.