HC Deb 31 May 1938 vol 336 cc1823-5
52. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what committees or organisations are consulted by his Department at regular periods on the general economic and agricultural development of Scotland?

Mr. Colville

On matters affecting the general economic development of Scotland, the Scottish Office and the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland are in close contact with the Scottish Development Council and the Scottish Economic Committee; and on agricultural matters the Department of Agriculture for Scotland is in regular consultation with the Scottish Agricultural Advisory Council. With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of further committees and organisations with which consultation is maintained.

Mr. Davidson

In view of the fact that the general economic position of Scotland has considerably worsened during the last three or four years, and that agricultural development has decreased during the same period, will the Minister consider setting up a separate economic committee to investigate fully the economic and agricultural development of Scotland, which is steadily worsening?

Mr. Colville

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman as to the steadily worsening position. The Scottish Development Council and the Scottish Economic Committee cover a very wide field in the matters on which they advise.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the period to which I have referred, unemployment and Poor Law relief considerably increased in industrial areas, and that there was less agricultural production in Scotland during that period, and will he not accept those facts as proving that the position is steadily worsening?

Mr. Colville

I cannot debate this matter at Question Time, but there are other features to be stressed.

Following is the list:

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland maintains regular consultation with the Scottish Horticultural Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee of Management of the Plant Registration Station, the Licensing of Bulls Committee, the Scottish Advisory Committee on Pork and Bacon Production, and consults with the principal farming and trade associations as and when the occasion arises. Close association is also maintained by the Department with Agricultural Colleges, Research Institutes, Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, Scottish Country Industries Development Trust, Scottish Women's Rural Institutes. Representatives of local authorities are, of course, consulted by the Scottish Office and by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland from time to time as occasion arises.