§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the damaging effects on trade, industry, employment and exports in Aberdeen and north-east Scotland as a result of the economic policy of the last three months; and if he will set up an inquiry to investigate these effects and to devise methods of restoring to northeast Scotland its normal trade, industry, employment and exports.
§ Sir K. JosephThe answer to both parts of the Question is "No". The rate of unemployment in Aberdeen for the three months ended October, 1961, was 2.6 per cent. compared with 2.9 per cent. in the previous twelve months. The Board of Trade are continuing to encourage industrialists to consider Aberdeen as a location for their projects and there are at present some 270 jobs in prospect from new building and other developments in Aberdeen.