HC Deb 31 March 1953 vol 513 cc1020-1
28. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet completed his study of the Cairncross Report; and what action he proposes to take to implement its recommendations.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade during the course of the debate on development areas and the distribution of industry on 25th February.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the Minister aware that it is now almost a year since this Report was issued and the Government's intentions must be suspect if, in the meantime, they are not doing anything about it? Can the Minister indicate what, if anything, the Government intend to do with these proposals, or are they going to be pigeon-holed in his office?

Mr. Stewart

I think that if the hon. Member would contemplate this matter for a moment he would see that it is not easy to come to a decision on this matter. The Scottish Board of Industry are considering the Report. They have not yet offered us their recommendations, and the Government's view, as at present advised, is that they do not think it right to alter the present scheme of development areas; but the matter is still being examined.

Mr. Brooman-White

Arising from this Report, should there not be a full review of the whole position of the distribution of industry policy in Scotland?

Mr. Mclnnes

Will the Minister say, apart from the position indicated by the President of the Board of Trade, what consultations have taken place between the Scottish Office and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and the Board for Industry? Surely something has been done during the past 12 months on this matter?

Mr. Stewart

As the hon. Member can imagine, we are in very close and constant contact with these two bodies and— indeed, it may be that because of these contacts—we are not able quickly to decide upon this matter.