HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1137-8
Q7. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that trade and industry in the North of Scotland are suffering as a result of the lack of co-ordination between the policies of Her Majesty's Government with regard to transport and trade, respectively, in that area; and if he will direct the Secretary of State for Scotland, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Ministers of Aviation, Labour and Transport to consult together as to the best means of encouraging trade, industry and labour to the North of Scotland.

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friends concerned always maintain the closest consultation in implementing the Government's policy of steering industry into development districts like the North of Scotland; so no special direction by me is necessary.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Prime Minister look down from his great eminence on the conflicts that are going on between the Ministers mentioned in the Question and the immediate chaos of trade, industry and employment in the North of Scotland, and take urgent steps to resolve the conflict so that full employment may be achieved?

The Prime Minister

I cannot accept the hon. and learned Gentleman's premises and, therefore, I cannot accept his conclusion. As he knows, in the area of Aberdeen the rate of unemployment for the three months ending November was 2.9 per cent. compared with 3 per cent. in the previous year.