William McGookin reports on the economic report produced by economist Professor Thomas Wilson. The report was commissioned to look at job creation and economic development in Northern Ireland. This would be achieved through redevelopment of towns to encourage businesses to move there. The areas targeted were Portadown/Lurgan and Antrim/Ballymena. The report also looked at training and apprenticeships. It also suggested the breaking up of the Ulster Transport Authority which would lead to a number of strikes and industrial disputes in that area. 

Professor Thomas Wilson was a Belfast-born economist and professor at Glasgow University. He was Economic Consultant to the Northern Ireland government 1964-1965 and his report produced proposed measures to improve the infrastructure and provide more training, so as to attract industry to the province. It brought some prosperity, but hopes were dashed when the Troubles erupted at the end of the 1960s. 

An Ulster Television Production.

• Broadcasting Authority Ireland