§ Mr. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people were employed in the financial services sector in Scotland in 1979 and 1985; and if he will make a statement on employment prospects in this sector.
§ Mr. RifkindThe number of employees in employment in Scotland in division 8 of the standard industrial classification—which covers banking, finance, insurance, business services and leasing—was 124,500 in September 1979 and 149,000 in September 1985. Up-to-date employment estimates for the financial services sector alone in Scotland are not readily available. Employment prospects in the sector as a whole are generally good with some further growth possible in the years ahead.