§ 33. Sir D. Robertsonasked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industrial enterprises his Department has attracted to the Highland counties since January, 1959; where they are located; and how many people are employed in them.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Rodgers)Industrial development certificates have been issued to three projects new to the Highland counties since January, 1959; two of these are in Fort William and one in Inverness. It is estimated that together they will provide employment for 500 people.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not obvious that these somewhat pitiful figures are typical of all the figures since the war ended? Will my hon. Friend suggest to the President of the Board of Trade that there should be a change of machinery? Possibly the Northern Ireland model would be quite a good one.
§ Mr. RodgersThis is something we will bear in mind, but I should point out to my hon. Friend that this February there were 1,500 fewer people unemployed than last February, and that six other projects are being considered now.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not true that nearly all these 1,500 people are engaged only on once-and-for-all jobs? They are not engaged in light manufacturing industries and earning their living in that way, Which is what we want, but are engaged on building houses and schools.
§ Mr. RodgersThere is no difference between my hon. Friend and myself about the desirability of further projects.