HC Deb 25 April 1961 vol 639 cc221-2
25. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the recent increased unemployment in Aberdeen, resulting in diminution in Great Britain's productivity, exports, and intake of foreign currency; and, in view of his responsibility for development areas, if he will consult with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Labour with a view to rectifying this situation.

Mr. N. Macpherson

My information is that, despite some recent redundancies, unemployment in Aberdeen is decreasing. Nevertheless, my right hon. Friend would be glad to see more industry going there; he keeps in close touch with his right hon. Friends on this matter.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that there have been a number of dismissals at Messrs. Hall, Russell's shipyard and other places in Aberdeen and that one good way of rectifying the grave situation would be by a fair distribution of existing industry and by publicising the excellent shipyards and other works in Aberdeen which are available for the relevant industries?

Mr. Macpherson

The hon. and learned Member himself does a very good job in publicising Aberdeen's shipbuilding facilities, but the fact remains that unemployment in Aberdeen has been dwindling and that the average for the area is lower than the average for Scotland.