HC Deb 07 March 1961 vol 636 cc250-1
39. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade what new industrial enterprises planned for Aberdeen are likely to be in production by 1962; what is the estimated increase in employment these new enterprises will produce; and what proportion of the new jobs provided will be for youths under 18 years of age

Mr. N. Macpherson

Five, including three expansions, to provide 150 jobs.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister in touch with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) and is he aware of the recent visit of Lord Polwarth to Aberdeen? Is he in touch with Lord Polwarth and what is he doing to develop the trade and industry of Aberdeen, as has been promised for so long but without any concrete results?

Mr. Macpherson

I assure the hon. and learned Member that we are in the closest touch with Lord Polwarth and the Scottish Council. In conjunction with them, we are doing the best we can to further the interests of Aberdeen and other places.

Sir J. Duncan

Meanwhile, can my hon. Friend say to what extent unemployment has fallen in the last month and how the reduced figure compares with what it was a year ago?

Mr. Macpherson

In January, 1961, 3,580 persons were unemployed in Aberdeen, as against 4,327 a year previously—that is 3.6 as compared with 4.4 per cent.