§ Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Technology what action he is taking to ensure that the placing of Government contracts help to ameliorate unemployment in the development areas.
§ Mr. Benn:In placing contracts my Department gives preference to firms in Development Areas in accordance with the arrangements used by all Government purchasing Departments.
§ Mrs. Ewingasked the Minister of Technology what proportions of expenditure on aviation contracts were placed in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively in the ten years up to 1966–67.
§ Mr. Stonehouse:The information is not available in the form requested by the hon. Member. But expenditure by the Ministries of Supply and Aviation with United Kingdom industry in the 10 years up to 1966–67 on research and development contracts was £1,550 million. Approximately 3 per cent. of this was spent in Scotland, 97 per cent. in England, and less than 1 per cent. in Wales.