HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 cc400-1
25. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of employees, at the latest available date, engaged in the manufacture of electrical goods, other than electrical machinery; and what proportion of those employees is located in Scotland.

Mr. Hare

The current classification relates to the manufacture of "Other electrical goods", which includes electrical equipment for motor vehicles, cycles and aircraft; batteries; electric lamps; and miscellaneous electrical goods. In mid-1961 the number employed in Great Britain was 147,000 of whom 4 per cent. were employed in Scotland.

Mr. Dalyell

In the light of these disappointing figures, what action has the Minister taken to increase employment in the electronic nucleus which already exists round Edinburgh by consulting the National Research Development Corporation, and also by setting up joint projects with the Corporation, as he is entitled to do?

Mr. Hare

It is exactly this type of light industry that we wish to see going to Scotland and the North-East, and we shall do everything we can to see that this process is encouraged.

Mr. Dalyell

Bluntly—what contact has the Minister had with the N.R.D.C.?