Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding the number of persons who left Scotland in 1965 ; what were the comparable figures for each of the previous three years ; and what estimate he has made of the emigration figures for 1966.
§ Mr. WillisThe estimated net loss by migration from Scotland, from mid-year to mid-year, was 29,500 in 1961–62, 34,000 in 1962–63, 40,600 in 1963–64 and 43,000 in 1964–65. An estimate of the net loss in the year 1965–66 will not be ready until about November.
§ 73. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the plans sent to him by the Scottish Economic Planning Council present inadequate facts as to the drift south from North-East Scotland of skilled craftsmen and skilled craftswomen and other workers needed in Aberdeen to operate the workshops there ; and if he will take urgent steps to stop that drift in the interest of Aberdeen industry.
§ Mr. WillisI am aware that the loss of skilled labour to the North-East is very serious, and this is why the White Paper on the Scottish Economy sets out a strategy for expanding the urban92W population of the area by 20,000 over the next ten years, which in turn will enable us to expand the range of employment as well.