TRADITIONAL EXPORTS VITAL TO SCOTLAND - SAYS MP

12.00.00am GMT Sat 6th Dec 2003

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP John Thurso, speaking at Westminster in the first Scottish Grand Committee of the present Parliament, has warned Ministers not to lose sight of the key role which traditional industries play in the country's economy. Commenting after a debate on "Scotland in the World: A New Perspective", the MP said:

"Modern Scotland is a diverse and growing economy. We can all be proud of the very strong lead which new Scottish industries - biotechnology, electronics and financial services - have now established in Europe and further afield.

The Government must not, however, forget the significant role which many of our traditional industries - farming, fishing, whisky and textiles - continue to play in the rural areas and their place in the national economy. If we consider the primary sector exports for Scotland and remove oil and gas, the two primary exports are fisheries and agriculture. Whether in tourism or our traditional industries, we must build on what we have, not set aside what we have. I ask the Secretary of State and those responsible, please do not discard shortbread and tartan and all the other things that are perhaps a little bit cliche Scotland, because there are an awful lot of people throughout the world who come to Scotland and buy it precisely because that exists."

The MP drew attention in the debate to the regional diversity within Scotland. He said:

"Figures for Scotland hide the fact that within Scotland there are many different economies in different areas. Although I am delighted that some parts of Scotland have done extremely well, such as the regeneration in the central belt and silicon valley, other large geographical areas of Scotland have not enjoyed the same prosperity.

The MP concluded: "The economy of the North has improved greatly over the last decade but it is crucial for Government to seize the opportunities to assist us in realising a sustainable long-term economy for the area."