§ 11. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the rate of emigration from Northern Ireland and the extent to which it has increased in recent years; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonThere are no precise figures, but it is estimated that net civilian migration from Northern Ireland in 1974 was about 11,000. This figure is lower than similar estimates for 1972 and 1973 but higher than those for the period 1961–71.
§ Mr. GoodhartIs it not plain that in recent months there has been, alas, a sharp increase in the number of skilled engineers and university graduates leaving Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. ConcannonThis has always been the case, but the Government are watching the situation. However, we do not believe that there is any major cause for alarm at the present.