§ Commander Donaldsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made by his Department in investigating the conditions relating to the depopulation in the Border Counties and the South-East of Scotland generally; and if he will make an interim statement.
§ Mr. NobleSince my hon. and gallant Friend was given an account of this study in the Adjournment Debate on 23rd March, a great deal of detailed work has been carried out on the potential of the different parts of the Borders for physical development, and on studies of migration trends and population structure. We have also had most helpful discussions with the tweed industry which have led us to a40W much better understanding of their labour requirements; similar discussions with the knitwear industry are in progress. On the rather different problems of the eastern part of the area, which arise on both sides of the Border, liaison has been established with the North East Development Group; special attention is being given to the forward requirements of the agricultural industry and the difficulties of small country towns.