Donald Dewar: The hon. Member is launching a general attack on the Selective Employment Tax and has grudgingly indicated that he will support the Amendment. Does he not agree that his area is one of high emigration and low unemployment and that it will be disadvantaged compared with other development areas in Scotland? How can he reconcile that with his support for the Amendment?
Donald Dewar: Mr. Dewar rose——
Donald Dewar: I recognised that the problem in my constituency was emigration, but because it is emigration, I am blessed in a back-handed way by having a very low unemployment rate. The Amendment—we are discussing that and not the Selective Employment Tax— would particularly victimise my constituency, which would be at a considerable disadvantage compared with other development areas.
Donald Dewar: The right hon. Gentleman is avoiding the point. He is again making a general point about the tax, which may or may not be valid, and is avoiding argument about the Amendment, which would make worse the dangers he accurately describes.
Donald Dewar: It is with some trepidation that I find myself on my feet at this early stage. Many of my hon. Friends counselled a longer wait, but a maiden speech is an ordeal which does not improve with contemplation and I decided to take my courage in both hands and rely on the traditional tolerance of the Committee. I am the first Member of the Labour Party to be returned for South Aberdeen, and I...
