§ 27. Miss Harvie Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development how many applications for expansion or development in Scotland were received by the Board of Trade for the years ended 31st March, 1963, and 31st March, 1964.
§ Mr. Heath146 applications for industrial development certificates for Scotland were received in the year ended 31st March, 1963, and 177 in the following year.
§ Miss Harvie AndersonIs not this good evidence of the Government's successful policy? Is not this proof of the advance of Scottish industry under this Government?
§ Mr. HeathI think that this is a most encouraging development and I do not know why hon. Members opposite should be so dubious about it. It has meant an increase in jobs under I.D.C.s from 9,200 in the year ending March, 1963, to 14,200 in the following year. This is extremely encouraging.
§ Mr. Hector HughesHow many of these applications for industrial development were for north-east Scotland, particularly Aberdeen, and how were they dealt with? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the north-east of Scotland, particularly Aberdeen, has been shockingly neglected both by his predecessor and himself in this respect?
§ Mr. HeathIf the hon. and learned Member will put down a Question, I will try to give him specific information about Aberdeen, but I cannot agree that it has been neglected.