HC Deb 12 December 1962 vol 669 c400
24. Mr. Steele

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of employees, at the latest available date, engaged in the manufacture of parts and accessories of motor vehicles, and in the aircraft industry; and what proportion of those employees is located in Scotland.

Mr. Hare

The manufacture of many components for motors and aircraft is included in the industrial classification for the parent industry. These two industries are the subject of other Questions. The manufacture of ball bearings, precision chains, etc., employed 207,000 in Great Britain in mid-1961, of whom 4 per cent. were employed in Scotland. The manufacture of rubber goods, which includes tyres and tubes, employed 124,000 in Great Britain, of whom 6.9 per cent. were employed in Scotland.

Mr. Steele

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply to this Question and previous ones is a clear indication of the Government's complete failure properly to plan the location of industry? Will he, in conjunction with his right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, consider these figures with a view to seeing that something is done about them?

Mr. Hare

As the hon. Member knows. I am in the closest touch with my right hon. Friends.

Mr. Willis

We want results.

Mr. Hare

We cannot change situations overnight. What we wish to see is more new industry following the industry that has already gone to Scotland, to take the place of those industries which are declining. This is the policy of the Government, and we shall pursue it with the greatest vigour.