HC Deb 07 December 1943 vol 395 cc769-70
41. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish persons or organisations have submitted to him their views on the proposal for a Forth-Clyde ship canal?

Mr. Johnston

I have recently received communications about the proposal for a Forth-Clyde ship canal from a number of individuals and from the Corporation of Glasgow. I understand that the Scottish Council on Industry are considering evidence for submission to me on the subject. Any individual or organisation which is in possession of material evidence should, therefore, forward it to the Council on Industry at 21, Castle Street, Edinburgh.

Mr. Mathers

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend is the collecting agent in Scotland for evidence of this kind and that very little has been done to stimulate this, will he try to stimulate the submission of evidence?

Mr. Johnston

I am not the collecting agent for evidence on this issue. The collecting agency is the Council of Industry. After they get the evidence it will be for me to consider it.

Mr. Mathers

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a recent reply by the Minister of Transport nominated him?

Mr. Johnston

No, what he said was that I had a representative on the Transport Committee.

Mr. McKinlay

May we have an assurance that my right hon. Friend's own writings on the subject prior to the war are included in the material considered?

Mr. Johnston

That has nothing to do with the collection of evidence.

Mr. Kirkwood

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that this canal is going to be cut in our lifetime?