HC Deb 15 March 1961 vol 636 c1376
10. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of bagpipes used by Scottish regiments is made in Scotland, in the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, respectively.

Mr. Profumo

Eighty-seven per cent. of the total value of orders placed for bagpipes for Scottish regiments over the last four years came from Scotland. The rest came from elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dempsey

Is the Minister aware that that news will be widely welcomed in Scotland? Will he consider increasing the figure to, perhaps, 100 per cent.? It seems but reasonable that the home of the bagpipes and of the music should be capable of manufacturing them in competition with any other part of the British Isles.

Mr. Profumo

Any monopoly, even a Scottish monopoly in bagpipes, puts the wind up me.