HC Deb 30 May 1961 vol 641 cc19-21
25. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what inquiries he is making into the effects upon future economic and social developments in Scotland of the average net loss of population by migration of 27,000 per annum.

Mr. Maclay

In 1960 the inward flow to Scotland was approximately 40,000 and the outward 63,000. Migration is one of the factors being considered by the Committee of Inquiry into the Scottish economy, set up by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry).

Mr. Willis

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever the figure might be, it is very substantial and is causing great concern, particularly in those areas which are suffering a continuous process of depopulation? Does he not think that this raises a number of serious questions in

very close attention to the interests of the British fishing industry at all times.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible date.

Following is the Table:

these areas that he should do something to answer?

Mr. Maclay

I quite agree that the figures give us cause for considerable concern, although it is interesting to note that 40,000 people came into the country last year. The inquiry to which I have referred is, however, going on and Government Departments, including my own, are giving every assistance with that inquiry.

Mr. T. Fraser

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this constant loss of population by migration must be a serious matter for Scotland, that this is evidence that the right hon. Gentleman's or the Government's economic policies over the years have failed and that it is no good suggesting that this is a matter which might be looked at by the Scottish Council (Development and Industry), which is not an official body? Is it not time that Her Majesty's Ministers were thinking of new economic policies that would arrest this trend?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Member must realise that Her Majesty's Government's economic policies are producing results. At the moment, there are 31,000 jobs in the pipeline likely to mature over the next few years.