§ 7 and 8. Mr. Leonardasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) why he is delaying consideration of the report of the Scottish Development Council on Scotland's industrial future;
(2) what steps he is taking to carry out the findings of the Scottish Development Council that Scotland's essential need at present is more consumers goods industries?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe report of the Economic Committee of the Scottish Development Council on Scotland's Industrial Future, which I think the hon. Member has in mind, was issued on 6th February last and is being carefully studied by the Departments and interests concerned. I have had discussions with the chairman of the committee, and I understand that the committee have submitted evidence to the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of the Population. In the meantime, as the hon. Member is aware, efforts are being made in a variety of directions to promote the development of industry in Scotland, and, as has already been announced, legislation will be proposed to facilitate the provision of loans for new industrial undertakings in certain areas of heavy unemployment.
§ Mr. LeonardHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to urge the Government to expedite the report of the Commission on the Location of Industries?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. Member refers now not to the Scottish report, but to the United Kingdom Commission, which is rather a different question.