§ 31. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Scottish Economic White Paper will be published.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe preparation of a White Paper on industry and employment in Scotland is in hand, and it is hoped to publish it before the Whitsun Recess.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs my right hon. Friend aware that Scottish Members enter the present Debate—if they do enter it—under the handicap that they have not got full and up-to-date information on the Scottish economic situation? Will he consult with the Leader of the House and 1118 other colleagues, with a view to giving us at least two days to debate the Scottish economic situation; will he undertake to have consultations to that effect?
§ Mr. WestwoodThe question of the allocation of the time of the House is a matter for the Leader of the House and not for me.
§ Major Guy LloydIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Scottish people hope that when this White Paper is produced it will be more realistic than his own speech recently on the state of Scotland?
§ Mr. MacMillanMay I press the right hon. Gentleman? Will he undertake, at all events, to press his colleague the Leader of the House, and anyone else concerned with making these arrangements, for a two days' Debate? It is an extremely important matter for Scottish Members.
§ Mr. WestwoodI am always ready to discuss with my colleagues any question affecting Scotland.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanI have two questions. First, would the right hon. Gentleman not only discuss it but do a bit of gingering up work with his colleagues, and see that they listen to him; secondly, could we not have this White Paper before the Easter Recess and not before the Whitsun Recess, which would at any rate help?
§ Mr. WestwoodNo Secretary of State for Scotland in the past has had a more sympathetic body of colleagues and more help in the fight for Scotland than I have.