HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 cc1645-6
30. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place between himself and the local authorities in Fife concerning the recommendations of the Cairncross Report on the need for the establishment of some light industry in the county.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

It would be premature for my right hon. Friend to discuss this Report with the local authorities while it is still under consideration by the Government.

Mr. Hamilton

Am I right in assuming that one of the functions of the Minister of State is to consult with local authorities on various local problems; and can the hon. Gentleman indicate whether the Minister of State, or any other official in the Department, has had discussions with the local authority in Fife on this very serious problem?

Mr. Stewart

As the hon. Gentleman knows, if we were to carry this Report into effect it would mean new legislation, creating an entirely different situation from that which now exists. Until that decision has been taken, it is not profitable to speculate, but very soon we shall be having consultations with the Fife local authority arising out of the general development plan of the county, which may offer an opportunity.

Miss Herbison

Does the hon. Gentleman not realise that many hundreds of miners and their families have been transferred from Lanarkshire to Fifeshire; and surely it is not premature for the local authority to be discussing what is to be done to find work for the families of these miners?

Mr. Stewart

As I said just now, we shall be discussing the general development plan in Fife with the Fife County Council and other authorities in the very near future, and, while we shall not be discussing the Cairncross Report, we shall be discussing the problem the hon. Member has in mind.