§ 35. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now consider establishing a regional office in Aberdeen.
§ Mr. JayI am not convinced that this is necessary. The services of the Board 1826 of Trade's office in Glasgow and its district office in Inverness are available to firms in the Aberdeen area.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of the activities of the present Government, we in the north-east of Scotland look for considerable development and expansion of industry in our area, and more active assistance by the Board of Trade in this regard would be greatly appreciated?
§ Mr. JayI am happy to say that, as a result of the activities of this Government, unemployment is much lower in Aberdeen than it was a year ago.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes my right hon. Friend recall that during and after his last visit to Aberdeen he promised the setting up of such a regional office, and it has been promised by his predecessors over years past? Will he accept that it is urgently necessary in order to develop trade, industry and commerce in Aberdeen and to reduce unemployment there?
§ Mr. JayNo, Sir, I do not remember any such promise, but I know that the situation in Aberdeen is very much more hopeful than it was a year ago.