HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc1243-5
53. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give the net migration figures from the North-East of Scotland for 1969 as compared with 1967–68.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

The Registrar General estimates that the net loss by migration from the North-East of Scotland in the years 1967–68 and 1968–69 was 2,500 and 2,000.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

What impact do the Government think the massive unemployment throughout the country has on this serious problem of migration from certain districts?

Dr. Mabon

The hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that for the rest of Scotland the net emigration figure has been halved since the present Government came to power. We have seen it drop from an all-time high of 47,000 in the country as a whole to about 20,000. In the North-East, which I agree was one of the most badly-affected regions, it is a welcome fact that that loss is also being reduced steadily.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Is the Minister aware that in the North-East of Scotland, as elsewhere, there is a steady decline in the number of men in employment? This is causing great worry. When will the Minister give effect to the growth point policies put forward in the Gaskin Committee Report?

Dr. Mahon

They are being acted upon quite rapidly. Hon. Members opposite did nothing about the matter for the North-East when they were in office. We have authorised the erection of six Ministry of Technology advance factories, and we have an extensive building programme by the Scottish Special Housing Association in support of industry. Assistance has also been obtained from the Development Commission. and within that assistance there is to be an advance factory at Keith, which I had hoped to announce personally in March.

Mr. Dewar

Will the Minister accept that the news of evidence of a drop in emigration will be very welcome, and that the tremendous break-through of the announcement of the factory which will provide jobs in Aberdeen gives enormous hope for the future of the area?

Dr. Mabon

I agree, and I am only sorry that hon. Gentlemen opposite did not trumpet forth the good news as they should have done.