§ 1. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the change in the number of persons in employment in Scotland between 1964 and the latest available date.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity (Mr. E. Fernyhough)It is provisionally estimated that the number of employees in employment in Scotland decreased by 35,000 between June, 1964 and March. 1968.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIn a work of science fiction called the "Scottish Plan", the Government forecast an increase of 60,000 in the number of people in employment by 1970. Since we have gone halfway in the opposite direction, why not scrap the Scottish Plan and do something about its figures?
§ Mr. FernyhoughBecause we still have halfway to go. I hope that, when we reach the end, the hon. Gentleman will realise that he has been too premature with his Question.
§ Mr. LawsonHow much assistance are the Government getting in increasing employment in Scotland from purely Scottish firms as distinct from firms which come from America and other odd corners of the earth?
§ Mr. FernyhoughIt is not possible to give that information without notice.
§ Mr. R. CarrDo the Government still adhere to the targets in the Scottish Plan?
§ Mr. FernyhoughWe still believe that, by 1970, there will be a considerable improvement in the economic position in Scotland as compared with what we inherited in 1964.