HC Deb 16 July 1963 vol 681 c312
10. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total value of contracts placed by him in the Coatbridge and Airdrie district during the last financial year.

Mr. Sharples

Contracts valued at£15,400 were placed by the Department in the Coatbridge and Airdrie district during the last financial year.

Mr. Dempsey

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that that is an infinitesimal proportion of what is placed elsewhere? Has he taken into consideration the fact that it is nothing unusual to have 8 per cent. of the insurable population unemployed in this area? Will he not do his utmost in future to ensure that this total will be stepped up to a more realistic level?

Mr. Sharples

We do all we can to help the development districts, and Scotland shares in the general arrangements. In accordance with our policy, firms in these districts are invited to tender for stores contracts wherever possible and preference is given to them provided that additional expenditure is not incurred.