HC Deb 25 October 1967 vol 751 cc474-5W
Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is now taking to reduce emigration from Scotland.

Mr. Ross

The Government are continuing to encourage the modernisation and extension of Scotland's economic base and the improvement of the social environment. The regional employment premium will also be a benefit. These measures will make Scotland more attractive and help to reduce emigration.

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will obtain an interim report from the Registrar General for Scotland on the level of emigration in 1966–67.

Mr. Ross

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given today to the hon. Member for North Angus and Mearns (Mr. Buchanan-Smith).

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will bring up to date the projections contained in Table 5 of Command Paper No. 2864, The Scottish Economy: A Plan for Expansion, in the light of the actual levels if immigration from Scotland between 1964 and the latest available date.

Mr. Ross

No. These statistical projections were intended to illustrate what would happen on certain alternative assumptions about net emigration over periods up to 1970 and 1980. It would be premature to revise them on the basis of less than two years experience since the Scottish Plan was published and before the Government's regional policies have had time to take effect.

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