17 MARCH 1939, Page 40

SCOTTISH PnWER'S NOVEL PLAN

One of the blackest areas from the unemployment angle is, surprisingly, the north of Scotland, and although there are special statistical reasons for this position, it is pleasing to see a leading Scottish company making a tangible contribu- tion towards the provision of employment in that area. Such a contribution was announced by Mr. George Balfour, M.P., at the meeting of the Scottish Power Company. He announced that the company is prepared to give financial assistance to responsible people who would start small industries in the Highlands to tide them over their preliminary difficulties in the first year or two. In explaining the decision he explained that he considered the time ripe for the establishment of small industries there. Mr. Balfour also announced sub- stantial reductions in the company's charges, to take effect in the second quarter of this year. * * * *