§ 49. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average annual loss of population from Scotland through emigration during the post-war years; and how far he proposes to take action to reduce it.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe estimated not average annual loss of population from Scotland through emigration overseas in the years 1946 to 1955 inclusive was 13,900. In addition there was an estimated net average annual loss of 12,700 to other parts of the United Kingdom. These losses are less than the natural increase, which averaged 33,400 a year over the same period, and the working population of Scotland is increasing. I do not accept the implication that emigration is itself an unhealthy symptom.