asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new light industries have been established in Caithness and Sutherland since 8th October, 1959; where they are located; and how many persons are employed in them.

Four new projects have been established in Caithness and one in Sutherland since 8th October, 1959. Together these employ over 100 people.

I did not ask for projects. I asked for light industry. Can my right hon. Friend say how many light industries he or his Department has introduced?

If my hon. Friend gives me a definition of"light industry", I will say whether the four new projects fall within it.

How does this compare with other Highland counties? It is essential that we have a more balanced economy in the Highland region. We want more light industry throughout the region.

I should be glad to give what information I can to my hon. Friend if he would table a suitable Question.

Is not my right hon. Friend's reply a confession of complete and utter failure? Is not he aware that these two counties have the highest rate of unemployment on the mainland of Great Britain and that his Department has been utterly useless in doing anything worth while? Will he take action now?

I think that it is an overstatement to say that the unemployment there is the highest in Britain, because in Caithness the unemployment rate at the June count was 3·6 per cent. However, I am not happy about the position of the Highlands. I should like to do more and I shall continue to do what I can.