§ 35. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the recommendations of the South Eastern Regional Council, he will state his plans for regional inquiries designed to stop the trend south of population from northeast Scotland and to develop trade communications between north-east Scotland and Europe on lines at least equal to the communications between south-east England and Europe.
§ Mr. Ross:Following the publication of the White Paper on the Scottish Economy 1965–70 (Cmnd. 2864) I commissioned a team from Aberdeen University under Professor Gaskin to make a study of the economic potential of north-east Scotland. The report of the study which will take account of the factors mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend should be ready late this year.