§ 3. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is satisfied that the objectives laid down in the White Paper, The Scottish Economy 1965–70, a Plan for Expansion, Command Paper No. 2864 are being achieved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe general strategy of the White Paper remains unchanged, and I am confident that its objectives will be achieved, although this may take longer than originally visualised.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall that when he met the S.T.U.C. at the end of September, he admitted in particular that investment targets were not being reached? Since the Government obviously have failed in their plans for the growth of industry in Scotland, will he issue fresh targets?
§ Mr. RossI can assure the hon. Gentleman that public investment targets are being reached and may be surpassed.
§ Mr. G. CampbellIs it still an objective, as set out in the White Paper, that more than half the target for jobs in the six years in question will be in non-manufacturing industry, and is that compatible with the Selective Employment Tax?
§ Mr. RossI can assure the hon. Gentleman of our desire to see an increase in jobs in non-manufacturing industry, and there are satisfactory indications that they are showing an increase.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Scottish Council for the Development of Industry says in its survey that the prospects for industry in Scotland are extremely good and that development is likely to be very satisfactory in the kind of industry which is required to balance up industry in Scotland?
§ Mr. RossThat is perfectly true. We have been successful in relation to new industry. Taking the years 1965, 1966 and 1967 and comparing them with 1962, 1963 and 1964, we are getting new job 1701 potential at almost double the rate. One of the main problems is the continued quick rundown of our older industries.