HC Deb 31 January 1968 vol 757 c302W
51. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what particular steps he is taking to prevent unemployment in Scotland reaching a figure of 100,000.

Mr. Ross

The Government are maintaining in full the range of inducements to industry to expand and develop in Scotland, in pursuance of their overall policy of giving special priority to economic growth in the development areas. While I make no arithmetical predictions about the immediate future, these measures are already beginning to have a substantial effect in providing additional employment.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional unemployment he expects to be created in Scotland as a result of the Government's latest economy measures.

Mr. Ross

The national measures associated with devaluation, including the recently announced cuts in public expenditure, are intended to release resources for export and import-saving industries, facilitating export-led growth over the coming months. As this growth occurs employment in Scotland should benefit, particularly as existing incentives to industrial growth in the development areas are being fully maintained.

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