§ 14. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the necessity for ensuring consistency and continuity in the framing and execution of a national policy with respect to the use and development of land throughout Scotland, it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Measure vesting in the Secretary of State for Scotland powers, as regards Scotland, similar to those now proposed to be vested in the Minister of Town and Country Planning as regards England and Wales?
Mr. JohnstonNo legislation is required in order to meet the hon. Member's the extent to which labour can be spared point, since as Planning Minister for Scotland the Secretary of State is already responsible for securing consistency and continuity in the framing and execution of a national policy with respect to the use and development of land in Scotland, and he already exercises the powers conferred by the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1932.
Mr. StewartDoes that mean that my right hon. Friend has an actual veto on, say, proposals of the War Office, the Air Ministry, or the Admiralty to build new Service construction or on the Ministry of 1151 Fuel and Power to start new mines? Has he control over that development?
Mr. JohnstonNo, Sir; we can give advice and make representations, but over the power of requisitioning for war purposes we have no absolute veto.
Mr. StewartIs it not plain that my right hon. Friend has not the powers which the new Minister of Town and Country Planning is likely to get for England?
Mr. JohnstonThe Minister of Town and Country Planning has at this moment only the powers we possess.