HC Deb 17 June 1965 vol 714 cc863-5
4. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has had regarding the effect of migration on industrial development in Scotland; and what measures he proposes to take to assist development in areas which at present do not qualify for designation as development districts.

Mr. Jay

Some local authorities have drawn attention to the effect of migration on industrial development in Scotland. The Government's national and regional economic planning is designed to establish where serious problems occur and to propose appropriate remedies where these are called for.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Does the right hon. Gentleman really appreciate how serious this problem is? Is he aware that while we wait, on account of the lack of decision in this matter, the development of existing industry which might otherwise take place is not taking place and, in the meantime, many young people are having to leave certain areas of Scotland?

Mr. Jay

Concentration on unemployment to the exclusion of migration as a criterion for action in the development districts was one of the many erroneous mistakes of the former disastrous Tory Administration. We hope to do better.

Mr. Peter Emery

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider supporting his right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology in his approach to the Treasury in trying to get the investment allowance position increased, which the present Finance Bill is decreasing to the detriment of these areas?

Mr. Jay

The Question is about migration from Scotland. Although, according to the legislation passed by the party opposite, in deciding on the development districts we are bound to take account of unemployment, nevertheless, in the grant of I.D.C.s, which are also important, it is reasonable to take account of migration also.

Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the former Administration initiated an inquiry into the situation in south-east Scotland and the Borders and that the Government are now refusing to have the results of that inquiry, when they are received, published?

Mr. Jay

We propose to introduce, in due course, some further legislation—[HON. MEMBERS: "When?"]—to replace the Local Employment Act, which expires in March, 1967. The right hon. Gentleman will find that legislation much more sympathetic to this problem than that introduced by the former Government.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we in Scotland regard the principal defect of the Local Employment Act, which was passed by the former Government, to be the real curse of Scotland in so far as it has failed to help the counties of the Borders and the east coast of Scotland? While appreciating the efforts which my right hon. Friend is now making, may I ask whether he is aware that we have been waiting for over a decade for help in the depopulated counties? Can we rely on something more in the way of help being produced in the near future?

Mr. Jay

I assure my hon. Friend that we mean to do better than the previous Government.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.