HC Deb 30 June 1982 vol 26 cc884-5
11. Mr. Ron Brown (Leith)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many companies went into liquidation in Scotland during 1979, 1980 and 1981, respectively.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The total number of compulsory and creditors' voluntary liquidations—the two types that involve insolvency—recorded in Scotland in 1979, 1980 and 1981 were 238, 379 and 438, respectively.

Mr. Brown

I am surprised that the question has not been answered, but that is typical of the Government. The record speaks for itself. Instead of the economic miracle—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Perhaps I may help the hon. Gentleman. He can get that point in if he puts it in the form of a question.

Mr. Brown

The record speaks for itself—[Interruption.] Does it not? Is the Minister aware that an economic miracle has not taken place despite the Government's assurances? Is he also aware that Scotland is suffering as a result of the Government's attitude and is clearly in desperate straits? Does the Minister appreciate that production is lower than it was at the time of the three-day week, which was bad enough? Does he further appreciate that Scotland and its economy has suffered more—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that the hon. Gentleman has given the Minister enough to appreciate.

Mr. Fletcher

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will be delighted to hear that, whereas the number of liquidations that I mentioned were of the order of 200 or 300, the numbers of new companies registered in Scotland were 3,514, 3,270 and 3,475 last year. He will also wish to know that in his own constituency the Robb Caledon shipyard has recently won three orders—two for Sealink Ferries and one for an oil supply ship for Norway. In my constituency, which borders his, Brown Brothers and Co. (Engineers) has gained a £23 million order to supply steam catapults and stabilisers to the United States Navy.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Does my hon. Friend agree that a large number of those smaller companies were established as a result of the Government's efforts to encourage enterprise in Scotland?

Mr. Fletcher

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is encouraging that new businesses are starting up in Scotland at a satisfactory rate.

Mr. Harry Ewing

As the Minister seems to be well briefed with detailed figures, will he tell us how many jobs were lost as a result of the liquidations and how many were created as a result of the new companies starting up?

Mr. Fletcher

The hon. Gentleman will be well aware of the unemployment figures in Scotland. He will also be aware that what Scotland needs more than anything else is a growing number of new companies. The figures that I have given reveal that, whereas 200 or 300 companies have been liquidated every year, 2,000 or 3,000 companies have been formed every year, and that is good.