Chemicals and Dyes Industry

HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 cc402-3

28. Mrs. Cullen

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of employees, at the latest available date, engaged in the chemicals and dyes industry; and what proportion of those employees is in Scotland.

Mr. Hare

In mid-1961 the number employed in Great Britain was 216,800, of whom 7 per cent. were employed in Scotland.

Mrs. Cullen

Does not the Minister agree that this percentage is much too small? What steps does he propose to take, with other Ministers, to ensure that Scotland obtains a larger share of these industries?

Mr. Hare

I repeat what I have said to other hon. Members; it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to encourage in every possible way the movement of these expanding industries to Scotland and to other areas of heavy unemployment.