§ 2. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the most recent figure of net emigration from Scotland.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)The most recent figures available are those which I gave in a written answer to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce Gardyne) on 26th July[Vol. 751, c. 140.] The estimates for the second six months of the year ending 30th June, 1967 are not yet available.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that emigration normally reaches a peak about 18 months after a period of high unemployment? In view of the large numbers of people out of work at present, is he satisfied that everything possible is being done to stem the drain on Scotland's resources?
§ Mr. RossAttention has been drawn to this relationship by Lord Clydesmuir in the Stock Exchange Gazette, saying that the high levels of emigration were due to unemployment under hon. Gentlemen opposite. From figures I have seen, the indications are that the net loss by emigration from Scotland during 1966–67 will be no greater and perhaps smaller than the net loss in 1965–66 and will show a very substantial decrease in the numbers who have drifted south.
§ Mr. William HamiltonHas my right hon. Friend any separate information about the emigration of scientists and technologists, since I understand that the trend there is more satisfactory today than it was two or three years ago?
§ Mr. RossOn some of these aspects, the trends are more satisfactory, but I have no figures to substantiate the point which my hon. Friend has made.