HC Deb 16 July 1946 vol 425 cc1054-6
80. Commander Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the divergence of informed opinion as to the availability of sand and gravel in the Vale of Leven, he will Cause a public inquiry to be held.

Mr. Westwood

The effect of the establishment of the industrial estate Strathleven on the working of the sand and gravel deposits was most carefully considered by my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade, the Minister of Works and myself before a decision was reached that the site at Strathleven should be acquired. This site is the only suitable one in the area and it was felt that the loss of these deposits of sand and gravel which while regrettable was not likely seriously to impede supplies of building materials would have to be accepted in view of the urgent need for industrial development in the area.

The question of developing certain alternative sources of sand and gravel has been discussed with the Ballast Sand and Allied Trades Association and it has been suggested to them that there should he a full technical investigation into the commercial workability of these sources in which the assistance of the Departments concerned would be available.

Commander Galbraith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the meeting to which he has referred none of his Departmental officials were willing to certify that even one ton of gravel was commercially workable in the whole of the Vale of Leven area, and in view of the importance of the question to the West of Scotland, will he not take the matter up again with the President of the Board of Trade?

Mr. Westwood

I am aware of the difficulties, and nobody knows better than the hon. and gallant Member how much personal attention I have given to this particular problem, I will certainly see that a proper technical investigation is carried through in the interests of those concerned in the question.

Mr. McKinlay

In view of the fact that the development of industry in my constituency is being held up through the selfish attitude of the sand and gravel people, do I understand from that reply that the development of the Leven estate will be held up until such time as it is determined whether there is sand available in the district or not?

Mr. Westwood

I have already pointed out that we have to consider many aspects of this question. I am very anxious for the industrial estate to be developed as speedily as possible, but I am having these further inquiries made so that there will be a square deal not merely in connection with the development of the industrial estate, but so far as other building interests are concerned.

Mr. McKinlay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I received an assurance almost two months ago, not only from his Department, but from the Board of Trade, that the development was ready to start; and is he also aware that the unemployment figures in the Vale of Leven are rising every day and that the people concerned have approached every Member of Parliament between there and the South of England?

Mr. Westwood

I am aware of the difficulties in that particular part of Scotland, and I am desperately anxious to get a move on in the development of that estate.