§ 14. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the publication may be expected of the sheriff's report on the East Kilbride New Town scheme.
§ Mr. WestwoodI have recently received the report of the public inquiry, and I hope to be able to announce my decision at an early date. The report itself will, however, in accordance with long established practice, be treated as a confidential document and will not, therefore, be published.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhat is the object in publishing the proceedings of the inquiry, thereby allowing people to read about it, and, when the report on which the whole thing depends comes out, not allowing them to know what it is? Surely it is a matter of public interest?
§ Mr. WestwoodI have already pointed out that this is a well-established constitutional principle. I will not publish that report, but I give the House the assurance that when I announce my decisions I will certainly see that they will be accompanied by a full statement, which will be issued to the objectors and to the public.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is already public knowledge that this report of the sheriff will be very unfavourable to what he hopes to do in East Kilbride; and is not that the reason it is not being published?
§ Mr. WestwoodAll I can say is, that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has not the slightest idea what my decisions will be. I am responsible for making those decisions, and it will be upon my decisions that we will act in the building of new towns.
§ Mr. AsshetonDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect this case to go to another place?
§ Mr. WestwoodNo, Sir. I certainly expect that when I make my decision it will be accepted by all parties as being a decision based upon the representations submitted to me.