asked the Postmaster-General if he will place more orders in the development area of Coat-bridge and Airdrie, in view of the high unemployment in that area; and if he will make a statement.

I am glad to say that this area has won orders valued at £1½ million since April 1963. Tenders from firms in the area will continue to be invited in all suitable cases and to enjoy special consideration under the normal development district preference arrangement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this area is facing large-scale redundancy since the firm concerned is outside the ring of telephone manufacturers and is guaranteed only a one year's contract, with the workers having only a one year's job, against five years for ring manufacturers? Is it not time to dispense with this practice and for areas such as this to receive more favourable treatment in this respect, especially as there is already three times the national average of unemployment in the locality?

I can tell my hon. Friend that I am looking at bulk supply agreements in any case, but Airdrie Electronics has been given an opportunity to make 25 per cent. of the total requirements for the Post Office although the figure which it quoted to us was above the competitive tender. On the general question of the bulk supply firms, 20 per cent. of their goods are made in development districts where unemployment is above the national average.