HC Deb 22 February 1971 vol 812 cc38-40W
Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest estimate of male and female population in new towns.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Annual estimates of the male and female population of the new towns are not prepared by the Registrar General. Figures from the sample Census of 1966 are given in the following table:

New Towns Both Sexes Males Females
Cumbernauld 17,210 8,530 8,680
East Kilbride 47,840 22,960 24,880
Glenrothes 18,880 9,450 9,430
Livingston 2,520 1,220 1,300
Irvine Not designated in 1966

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total estimated capital spending and investment by central and local government, to the nearest available date, in new towns; and if he will identify the estimated spending in each new town on the various services and subjects.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The available information about capital expenditure wholly financed by the Government up to 31st March, 1970, is given in Appendices B to the accounts included in the Reports of the five Scottish New Town Development Corporations which I presented to the House last October.

The information requested about capital expenditure in the new towns by local authorities is not available.

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated increase in population in new towns during 1971.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Such estimates are not available.

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many of the male population of new towns are known to be in full-time employment and part-time employment, respectively; and what are the age ranges;

(2) how many of the female population of new towns are known to be in full-time employment and part-time employment, respectively; and what are the age ranges.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I have been asked to reply.

The following table shows the estimated numbers of employees in employment in the employment exchange areas of Scotland which most closely correspond with the new town areas;

ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF EMPLOYEES IN EMPLOYMENT IN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE AREAS AT JUNE, 1969
(Thousands)
Males Females
Cumbernauld 5.6 2.9
East Kilbride 13.2 10.7
Glenrothes 8.6 6.1
Irvine 7.7 4.4
East Calder and West Calder(covering Livingston) 1.7 0.8

The estimates do not separately distinguish full-time and part-time employees and they are not analysed by age range.

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many male and female jobs have been lost since August, 1970, in new towns.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I have been asked to reply.

Job gains and job losses in local areas can be measured by comparing successive mid-year employment estimates. As the latest estimates for these areas are for June, 1969, I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will give consideration to bringing Livingston new town into the additional special development area coverage as announced on 18th February;

(2) why Glenrothes and Livingston new towns are excluded from the additional special development area coverage announced on 18th February.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I have been asked to reply.

Where new towns in Scotland situated outside the West Central Scotland Special Development Area are making a really substantial contribution to solving the economic and employment difficulties of that area. I will certainly consider whether S.D.A. incentives might be made available to incoming projects.