§ 37. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour his estimate of the unemployment and under-employment trend in the paper-making, building and other industries in Aberdeen during the forthcoming winter months.
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§ Mr. HeathI expect some seasonal increase in building and certain other industries affected by weather conditions. I have no reason to suppose that unemployment in the paper-making industry will change materially from its present low level during the forthcoming winter months.
§ 38. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment in the City of Aberdeen, already high, will be increased by the expected abandonment by Messrs. Thomas Tait and Sons Limited, of their plan to spend £750,000 on building a new high-speed paper-making factory at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, due to the Outer Seven Free Trade Area Agreement which will assist foreign competition with the Scottish paper-making industry; and what steps he is taking to provide alternative employment for those affected.
§ Mr. HeathNo. I would like to see this project go forward, because of the employment it would provide but no additional unemployment will be created if unfortunately the plan is abandoned.