HC Deb 22 May 1963 vol 678 cc423-4
26. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Labour how many men have had to leave the north-east coast of Scotland in the last 10 years in order to find employment elsewhere; how many of them were tradesmen; and what record is still retained of their respective skills.

Mr. Whitelaw

I regret that the information requested cannot be furnished from the Ministry's records. A special analysis at the employment exchanges at Banff, Buckle, Fraserburgh and Peterhead shows that since January, 1962, 599 men were placed away from home, 323 of whom were skilled tradesmen. In all cases registration documents are retained for a period of at least five years.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is my hon. Friend aware that hundreds of these men would return to the area if they had an opportunity to work there, and that their skill and training would provide an invaluable basis for whatever industries wished to establish themselves in the area? Therefore, is it not possible to keep some record of what would be available should industry expand again in that part of the country?

Mr. Whitelaw

As I think my hon. Friend knows, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is doing all he can to encourage industries to go into this development district. I note the other points he has made.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Has the Minister any record of the particular trades and industries in the City of Aberdeen affected by this terrible exodus? Will he consult with the relevant Ministers, particularly the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State for Scotland, with a view to asking them to redeem their promises to stop this terrible exodus?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am sure the hon. and learned Member will appreciate that I have not the particular figures with me at present. However, I note what he has said.

Mr. Prentice

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the President of the Board of Trade why in the first three months of this year more industrial development certificates were issued for the Midlands than for the whole of Scotland? How does he hope to begin to solve the problem while that is still going on?

Mr. Whitelaw

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will no doubt note what the hon. Member has said.

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