§ 46. Mr. McKinlayasked the Lord President of the Council if any decision has been taken on the siting of the Engineering Research Station for the West of Scotland.
§ The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)After consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland I propose that the Mechanical Engineering Research Establishment should be located in the area of the new town at East Kilbride, and investigations into suitable sites are proceeding.
§ Mr. McKinlayMay I ask my right hon. Friend how this decision will be affected by the proposed cuts in capital expenditure?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe had better wait until the capital expenditure Paper is ready, but the siting of the station is so settled. My hon. Friend can be sure that I will do all I can to advance the venture.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate, even approximately, when he expects that this station will be completed?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat question should be put upon the Order Paper. I have no doubt that the hon. Gentleman will be grateful to me for having seen that this great station goes into Scotland.
§ Mr. WillisWill my right hon. Friend consider whether it would not be in the national interest to place more research establishments in Scotland that are there now?
§ Mr. MorrisonOther establishments have gone, and will go, into Scotland. My hon. Friend may be sure that Scottish interests in these matters will be very prominent in my mind.