Inverclyde

The Result

Electorate: 68,821
Area (Hectares): 16,179

This region lies on the River Clyde to the west of Glasgow. Although the area is largely rural, the population is concentrated in the coastal towns of Greenock, Gourock and Port Glasgow. These were traditionally shipbuilding towns but computer and electronics firms are the major employers today - both IBM and National Semi-Conductors have large plants here. Gourock and Wemyss Bay are also ports for ferry services to the Highlands and the inner isles.

As with most of the central belt of Scotland, Labour are the party of power. The hold the parliamentary seat of Greenock and Inverclyde and over two thirds of seats on the council.

Results of 1979 referendum:

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		68%		21%		11%
Strathclyde		71%		16%		13%

Question:Should a Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?

		Yes		No		Don't know
All Scotland		56%		36%		8%
Strathclyde		56%		36%		9%

(Total Sample Size: 1,001, Fieldwork: 19-20 August 1997)