§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a detailed statement on the progress of the Scottish Economic Planning Council, set up by him, who are considering the forthcoming White Paper on the Scottish Economy; and if he will take steps to obviate the undue emphasis on the South-West and Midlands of Scotland and the neglect of eastern Scotland, thereby increasing the drift of skilled workers to the South-West and Midlands of Scotland and to England.
§ Mr. RossThe White Paper on the Scottish Economy published on 26th January gives a detailed account of the work of the Scottish Economic Planning Council on this subject. It sets out a programme which will enable all parts of the country, including the North-East, to play a full part in an expanding economy. A substantial reduction in outward migration is one of the most important objectives of this programme.