§ 41. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware that the Industrial and Regional Progress Report published by his Department on 1st January, 1964, outlines the imbalance of industrial employment and unemployment in seven regions of England but treats the whole of Scotland as only one region; and, in view of the disparities in these respects between various parts of Scotland, if he will now amend his plan so as to give special attention to northeast Scotland which has particular needs for more industry, advance factories and employment.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe answer to the first part of the Question is—Yes, and to the second part—we have it under consideration.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he is aware of the drift south from Scotland of trade, industry and employment and that this drift is accelerated by the disparities between the south of England and the north east of Scotland in transport facilities to the continent of Europe; and if he will state his plans for negativing these disparities and industrial imbalance in such a way as to bring about a better distribution throughout the whole of Great Britain of trade, industry, commerce and employment.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes, our national and regional plans are aimed precisely at doing that.