HC Deb 08 June 1961 vol 641 cc1380-1
35. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the difference in the distribution of Government contracts as between England and North-East Scotland; and what steps he plans to secure the allocation of more orders to North-East Scotland.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)

No separate figures are available of Government contracts placed in North-East Scotland. Tenders for Government contracts are invited on a competitive basis but, other things being equal, preference is given to areas such as North-East Scotland which are listed as development districts. Instructions have recently been issued to all contracting Departments reminding them of these arrangements, and asking them to review their trades lists and specifications with a view to improving the opportunity of Scottish firms to tender. My right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, has also arranged to draw the attention of Scottish firms to the possibility of tendering for Government work.

Mr. Hughes

Notwithstanding that Answer, does not the Financial Secretary realise that the invidious treatment of the north-east of Scotland, the invidious neglect of the north-east of Scotland, has long been a scandal which should be the subject of substantial planning by the Cabinet as a whole? Will the hon. Gentleman bring the matter before the Cabinet so that something constructive is done about it?

Sir E. Boyle

It is not my business to bring things directly before the Cabinet, but I can tell the hon. and learned Gentleman that I looked at the figures carefully, and it is not true that the proportion of Government orders placed in Scotland today is unduly low. I regret that I cannot go beyond what I said in my original Answer.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is my hon. Friend aware that Aberdeen itself won a valuable contract only yesterday for a new ship costing about £¾ million, and that while we should like a great deal more done, we feel that this is a real encouragement, and an example of what the Government are trying to do?

Sir E. Boyle

I am very glad to hear what my hon. Friend has just said.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. There is a difference in facts between the Minister and me, and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.