HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 c547
63. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the extent and value of the textiles imported into and exported from northeast Scotland during the last five years; and if he will state what steps he is taking to increase that industry there.

Mr. Jay

Trade statistics are not compiled on a regional basis: but the Government's measures to assist industry in the development areas under the Local Employment Acts and the Industrial Development Act are available to the textile industry in north-east Scotland.

Mr. Hughes

I thank the President of the Board of Trade for what he has already done for Aberdeen. Is there not a good market for textiles straight across the North Sea in Scandinavia, Denmark and North Germany, and will my right hon. Friend exploit that market?

Mr. Jay

Yes, Sir. That is one of the great assets which north-east Scotland enjoys, together with its representation by my hon. and learned Friend.