asked the Prime Minister if he will ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Minister of Labour and the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development to report to him on the effects on the Scottish economy of the typhoid epidemic.

The outbreak of typhoid has been confined to the city of Aberdeen, where less than 3 per 1,000 of the population have been affected. In the few cases outside Aberdeen, the infection in all except two cases was contracted during a visit to Aberdeen and not passed on to others.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many holidaymakers and, indeed, some businessmen have been cancelling their bookings in Aberdeen and elsewhere in Scotland? Does he agree that such cancellations are entirely unnecessary from the point of view of public health?

Yes, Sir. I hope that the reply which I have given will do something to restore confidence.

Does the Prime Minister realise that the Scottish economy, particularly in north-east Scotland, has suffered grievously from the epidemic, which was through no fault of its own and which was not indigenous to Aberdeen? What plans has the right hon. Gentleman to provide compensation for the business people and workers in hotels, boarding houses and shops who have suffered so grievously from this epidemic?

I think that it is premature to make up my mind about this question yet. I gather that that is the view taken by the City of Aberdeen.