§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what proportion of the sums spent to promote economic development in the development areas in each financial year from 1st April, 1964 has been in Scotland; how many persons are employed as a result of this expenditure in total, and of these employees, how many are employed in Scotland, and where.
§ Mr. UrwinThe proportions spent in Scotland in each year since 1st April, 1964 were approximately 35 per cent., 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 30 per cent. These figures, however, relate to steadily rising assistance given under the Local Employment Acts; and last year included the Regional Employment Premium and the differential element of investment grants payable in development areas. Meaningful estimates of the amount of employment created by the expenditure are not possible; however, there has been a significant improvement in the unemployment position in Scotland relative to Great Britain.