HC Deb 30 July 1963 vol 682 cc64-5W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if, in view of the number of science graduates who are leaving Scotland due to lack of employment prospects, he will take steps to provide scientifically based projects adequate to reverse this trend.

Mr. Denzil Freeth

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research would welcome more applications for development contracts from firms in Scotland, but applications must be judged on their scientific merits. My noble Friend welcomes the decision of the Scottish Council to establish a New Products and Development Committee, on which the D.S.I.R. is represented. Firms expanding in, or moving to, development districts in Scotland are, of course, eligible to apply to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade for assistance under the Local Employment Act, and qualify for free depreciation of plant and machinery.

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