HC Deb 10 April 1963 vol 675 cc1265-6
25. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the £5,947,000 provided in the 1963–64 Navy Estimates for the purchase of certain naval stores and equipment will be spent in Scotland; and in particular how much of the £1,215,000 for motor transport will be spent in Scotland.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

There will be very little expenditure in Scotland for motor transport. This apart I would expect the proportion of this subhead to be spent in Scotland to be at about the same level as it was in 1961–62—about 16 per cent.

Mr. Gourlay

Does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that 16 per cent, is a very low proportion of the amount of money which should be spent in Scotland? In considering the amount to be spent on motor transport, will the hon. Gentleman re-examine the position with a view to giving a greater proportion to Scottish factories?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I understand that ray right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has stated that the motor factories in Scotland are not yet in full production, but we will take account of the merits of their products when we consider the next tenders.

Mr. G. Thomas

What proportion is to be spent in Wales? Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that I should like the same answers about Wales as he has given to all these Questions about Scotland?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I will bear that in mind. l will even answer Questions if the hon. Gentleman likes to put them down.

26. Mr. Small

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how much of the £32,899,000 provided in the 1963–64 Navy Estimates for the purchase of electrical and electronic stores and equipment will be spent in Scotland; and whether it is his policy to increase such expenditure in areas of high unemployment.

28. Mr. Bence

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how much of the £18,431,000 provided in the 1963–64 Navy Estimates for the purchase of general stores will be spent in Scotland; and whether he will indicate the nature of these stores, showing which are purchased in Scotland.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

All Scottish firms which are capable of supplying the various stores we want will be invited to tender but the contracts will be awarded on the merits of price and delivery offered.

Mr. Small

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but may I ask him to do his best to extend opportunity for electronic equipment to be supplied by Scotland, since 60 per cent. of the science graduates in Scotland come to England after university training?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We will certainly bear this in mind. I think that I am right in saying that between 8 and 10 per cent. of our electronics expenditure goes to Scotland.

Mr. Mellish

Will the hon. Gentleman take note that Northern Ireland has certain claims, although none of the Ulster Unionist Members opposite seem to be interested?

Mr. McMaster

rose—

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I will take note of what the hon. Member who sits for Bermondsey (Mr. Mellish) says.