§ 50. Mr. HARDIEasked the Prime Minister whether the accountant's statement in relation to the shale workers' dispute in Scotland contains figures showing the watered capital in the business?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)I have been asked to reply. The Report will be published shortly, and I would ask the hon. Member to defer any questions he may have regarding its contents until he has had an opportunity of reading it.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Prime Minister, in view of the serious situation in the Scottish shale industry, prepared to consider the holding of a public inquiry, so that the whole matter may be investigated? May I press for an answer, seeing that the subject is of importance? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must please resume his seat when I rise. This is a new matter, which should be given to the Prime Minister on the Paper.