§ 57. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has for a greater expansion of the technological industry in Scotland.
§ Dr. BrayThe Ministry of Technology takes every opportunity to encourage the expansion of advanced technological industry in Scotland as in other development areas. The announcement on 23rd April by the Burrough's Corporation of the decision to establish a new computer factory at Glenrothes, initially to employ 1,000 people, marked the latest example of the expansion of advanced technological industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. RankinI thank my hon. Friend for that intimation. Is he aware that I am thinking on a much wider scale? Does he recollect that, since we lost the aircraft maintenance industry at Renfrew, Scotland has been left only with the engine side, employing 12,000 persons? Does he not think that we should now be getting a development on the airframe side, with the technological equipment that goes with it, to compensate for the heavy outflow of skilled manpower to England?
§ Dr. BrayI am well aware of Scotland's need for employment in the engineering industry. I hope that my hon. Friend will not ignore the tremendous advantages which flow from the great concentration of the computer industry in Scotland at present. Indeed, this industry is rapidly approaching the point of take-off in this very important part of the country.