§ 32. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade what evidence he has that American firms in Britain are now contemplating moving to Europe consequent on the failure of the Brussels negotiations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that there is a sizeable American investment in Scotland, in particular? Is he aware that there is a good deal of concern in Scotland that there may be reasons why some of this investment should seek to transfer itself from Scotland to the Continent? Can he give a categorical assurance that no recent case and no investigation he has carried out so far leads him to understand that this is what is happening?
§ Mr. GreenTo date, I can certainly give that assurance. I understand the hon. Gentleman's anxiety. Perhaps he is thinking of the Remington-Rand Company. We have been categorically assured—and I believe that assurance—that the transference of part of its work to Europe has nothing to do with the Common Market negotiations.
§ Mr. HamiltonThe hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that, whatever the reasons, 1,100 jobs have been lost as a result. What is his Department doing about it?