HC Deb 11 February 1981 vol 998 c857
13. Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make special provisions for the economic regeneration of the city of Dundee.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

We have already done so. Dundee receives the highest priority in terms of its special development area status, and the Scottish Development Agency is concentrating substantial resources there under its £6 million development scheme.

Mr. Wilson

The Minister says that he has made special provision for Dundee. However, will he kindly explain to the citizens of Dundee why the Government's economic regeneration has led to 14,000 people being unemployed and an increase of 1 per cent, in unemployment in one month? Does he not accept that the Government's present arrangements for regional development are not working in the city and that something more is needed to break the cycle of decline that is now taking place? It is his responsibility to do something. When will he act?

Mr. Fletcher

Every possible action is taking place with regard to Dundee. But, clearly, Dundee cannot be isolated from the economic situation which exists throughout the rest of Scotland and, indeed, the United Kingdom. The main recipe for the success of employment and other measures in Dundee is the revival of the British economy, which our policies are aimed at bringing about.