§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps he has taken during the last 12 months to attract new industries to the North-East of Scotland, particularly to the City of Aberdeen; and what have been the results.
§ The Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Edward Heath)I am continuing to make full use of my powers under the Local Employment Acts to encourage further industrial development in the development districts of North-East Scotland, including Aberdeen. In the past twelve months offers of assistance under the Acts have amounted to over £32,500. In addition, 8 I.D.C.s have been issued in the same period for this area, embracing 170,000 square feet and estimated to provide nearly 300 jobs.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that that vague and indeterminate answer is on the same lines as the promises made by his colleagues during the last twelve years, most of which have not been implemented, to bring industry to North-East Scotland? Will he mend his ways and do something concrete and constructive for North-East Scotland?
§ Mr. HeathThe information that assistance has amounted to £32,500, with eight I.D.C.s for 170,000 square feet and 300 jobs, is very specific and, I hope, will be satisfactory to the hon. and learned Gentleman.