§ 2. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will set up a Departmental inquiry to examine industry in North-East Scotland, with a view to developing food processing and timber-using industries.
§ Mr. DarlingA study of North-East Scotland is already being undertaken by Professor Gaskin of Aberdeen University for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. I understand that this will include an investigation into the kinds of industry which might prosper in the area, including food processing and timber-using industries. As I said in answer to Question No. 1, the whole range of incentives will be available.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWhat help is the right hon. Gentleman's Department giving to this survey? It is the first time such a thing has been done. I hope that he is able to do something to help carry it forward quickly.
§ Mr. DarlingWe shall give all the help that Professor Gaskin thinks he may need from the Board of Trade. We have a lot of information which may be of help to him.
§ Mr. BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will be in touch with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence with a view to diverting, as far as possible, small boat 1343 projects to shipbuilding firms in that area?
§ Mr. DarlingI shall see that those views are conveyed to my right hon. Friend. If there are other views which hon. Members wish to express, I shall see that they are passed on, too.