HC Deb 22 March 1995 vol 257 c331
3. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the change in the number of unemployed since December 1992. [13628]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. George Kynoch)

Between December 1992 and February 1995, seasonally adjusted unemployment in Scotland fell by 41,700.

Mr. Marshall

Does my hon. Friend agree that that substantial reduction in unemployment is partly due to Scotland's success in attracting new industry? Does he believe that inward investment would be encouraged by Scotland signing up to the social chapter—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—adopting a national minimum wage—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear.]—or having a tax-raising Scottish Assembly—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear.]? The cheers of Opposition Members show how blinkered and stupid they are.

Mr. Kynoch

I agree thoroughly with my hon. Friend, and Opposition Members' cheers unfortunately show that they are out of touch with the realities of business.

My hon. Friend referred to inward investment. In 1993–94, Locate in Scotland and the Scottish Office Industry Department helped to attract 95 projects involving planned investment of £588 million and the creation or safeguarding of more than 11,000 jobs. If the United Kingdom signed the social chapter or if Scotland had higher taxes than the rest of the United Kingdom, many of those jobs would be put in jeopardy.

Mr. Maxton

Does the Minister share the concern of the people of Scotland at the loss of high-skill jobs at the BBC in recent weeks? Will he and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State organise an urgent meeting with John Birt, Director-General of the BBC, to ensure that there are no further job losses, as there will come a point when BBC Scotland will become incapable of carrying out its role as the major broadcaster in Scotland if it loses more skilled staff?

Mr. Kynoch

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but, with due respect, it is up to Mr. Birt to decide how best to run the BBC. I have a lot more faith than the hon. Gentleman in the skills and expertise of the BBC in Scotland in making its case for maintaining a sound, professional and positive presence in Scotland.