HC Deb 07 May 1980 vol 984 cc266-7
8. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to improve the employment prospects of Dundee.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Our policies are aimed at creating a soundly-based economy in which industry can expand and provide jobs in Dundee as elsewhere. The changes we have made in regional policy are designed to concentrate support in the areas of greatest need, and we have placed Dundee in the highest category of these.

Mr. Wilson

Will the Minister give a progress report on his assurances to a recent delegation about the continued future of the Robb Caledon shipyard? Can he also state what positive efforts he is taking to try to improve the amount of employment in the Dundee area, where the economy is precariously balanced at the present time?

Mr. Fletcher

In addition to retaining special development area status, the Scottish Development Agency is actively at work in Dundee. It is important to point out that the picture there is not entirely gloomy and that some new prospects and new jobs have come to the area and have been announced in recent weeks. Indeed, the district authority has recently announced that a number of American companies have made inquiries about the possibility of establishing operations there.

Mr. Peter Fraser

Will my hon. Friend take note that during the last three months of Tory control of Dundee, male unemployment, which has always been a significant problem, has dropped? Will he persist in his efforts—such as those in respect of the unique photographic technique firm which is being brought to Dundee—which will do very much more to bring jobs to that vital part of Scotland than all the shrill cries for militancy which emanate from the Opposition?

Mr. Fletcher

My hon. Friend is correct. In recent weeks, there have been a number of encouraging inquiries and business expansions. Commercially viable projects in that area, in addition to Robb Caledon, will continue to have the fullest Government support.

Mr. Ernie Ross

Will the Minister comment on the survey carried out among industrialists in the Dundee area by Dundee university, which revealed that rates came thirteenth in the list of reasons which attracted industry to Dundee? Is he aware that, items which came high up in the list included housing, education and a pool of skilled labour—all the items which the convenor of COSLA is now cutting back?

Mr. Fletcher

I am not surprised that incoming industry is more interested in skilled labour, housing and general infrastructure than rates of grant, if that is what the hon. Gentleman is suggesting. However, I have not seen the report to which he has referred and, therefore, I am unable to comment in any detail.