HC Deb 14 July 1971 vol 821 cc485-6
27. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the percentage change in manufacturing investment in Scotland between June, 1970, and June, 1971.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Estimates of manufacturing investment normally relate to the full calendar year. The outcome for 1971 will not be known until considerably after the end of the year.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this side of the House we are becoming used to hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite not knowing the answers to our questions? Does he not realise, from the debate yesterday, that many of my right hon. Friends are becoming increasingly perturbed over the number of factories which are closing down and the amount of industry returning to England? Will he do something quickly to stimulate investment in manufacturing industry in Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

We had a full day's debate yesterday, and I will not repeat all that I said then. The hon. Gentleman asked for a precise estimate between the two years, including this year. Any figure that I tried to give at this stage would be unreliable.