HC Deb 23 March 1937 vol 321 cc2734-5
33. Mr. Maclay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps to ensure that the merits of the Highlands of Scotland as a suitable locality for the production of calcium carbide will be fully represented to the committee about to be set up by the Government to look into the problem?

Mr. Elliot

The Committee's procedure cannot, of course, be settled until the Committee have been formerly appointed but the merits of the Highlands of Scotland as a suitable locality for the production of calcium carbide will be fully before the Committee.

Mr. Maclay

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in a problem of this kind Scotland is very dependent on the watchfulness of the Scottish Office, especially when there is strong pressure from other localities?

Mr. Davidson

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that representatives of the local councils affected by this scheme will have ample opportunities of making representations to the committee?

Mr. Elliot

Anybody desiring to bring any scheme before the committee will naturally have the chance of doing so.

Mr. Hardie

If as is stated in public now calcium carbide can be made at £7 a ton by steam will that claim be also considered?