§ 61. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for further developing Aberdeen trade, industry and commerce with particular reference to the provision of more advance factories, intercontinental trade with Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the stoppage of the drift south from Aberdeen of skilled craftsmen and women.
§ Mr. JayI have nothing to add to the answer which I gave my hon. and learned Friend on Wednesday, 19th April, about the construction of advance factories in Aberdeen. The Board's officials in Scotland, as well as commercial officers from overseas, have regularly been in touch with firms in the Aberdeen area to help and encourage exports.—[Vol. 745, c. 97.]
§ Mr. Hector HughesWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his successful efforts to increase trade, industry, and commerce in Aberdeen, may I add that his reactions to my efforts, contrary to the suggestions made in earlier supplementary questions here today, have always been prompt and accurate?
§ 62. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications he has had from industrialists during the last year for advance factories and other accommodation and facilities to bring industries to Aberdeen.
§ Mr. DarlingIn the 12 months to 31st March, 1967, the Board of Trade received one application for an advance factory in Aberdeen and 64 applications for financial assistance under the Local Employment Acts for development of projects in Aberdeen.
§ Mr. HughesAberdeen appreciates very much—[Interruption.]—the efforts that my right hon. Friend has made—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. and learned Member must ask a question.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the efforts that he has made will prove of great assistance to industry and commerce in Aberden and are much appreciated by the people of Aberdeen?
§ Mr. DarlingI am well aware that our efforts in Aberdeen are appreciated. I hope that we can do as well for other parts of Scotland.