HC Deb 25 May 1994 vol 244 cc332-4
15. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current population of Scotland; what were the figures for 10 and 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

According to the Registrar General's latest estimates, the population of Scotland was 5.12 million on 30 June 1993. This compares with 5.15 million in 1983 and 5.23 million in 1973.

Mr. Greenway

Has my hon. Friend discerned a trend in the population of Scotland, which is that it seems to go down when there is a Labour Government? Why does he think that people leave home in Scotland when there is a Labour Government, and are they not wise to do so?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The figures are revealing. In the period 1973–83, Scotland suffered net migration losses averaging more than 14,000 per year. For much of that period, Labour was in power, as my hon. Friend suggests. In the period 1983–93, the average net loss fell to below 7,000 but, most importantly, the population increased by 27,000 in the five years up to 1993. People come to Scotland and they like living there because of the excellence of the environment, the friendliness of the people and the magnificence of the heritage.

Mr. Welsh

Does the Minister not realise that the fall in the population of Scotland is proportionately the worst in the whole of western Europe? Given Scotland's immense resources and the abilities of her people, is that not also a damning indictment of this Parliament's misrule of Scotland?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

No. The latest figures show clearly that the number has risen in the past five years, so the prophesies of doom and gloom from the jaded Jeremiahs on the Opposition Benches are unfounded. And more people will want to come and live in Scotland in the future.

Sir Nicholas Fairbairn

As the increase in world population is its greatest threat, will my hon. Friend make it a Government priority to address all international organisations to make them aware of the frightfulness that will result from the multiplying exponential curve of world population?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I think that that is a matter for my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development; I will draw my hon. and learned Friend's concern about birth control to her attention.