HC Deb 27 October 1953 vol 518 c2600
20. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has declined to implement the recommendations of the Cairncross Report.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Henderson Stewart)

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 6th July to a Question by the hon. Member for Rutherglen (Mr. Brooman-White). I am sending the hon. and learned Member a copy of the letter referred to therein.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister agree that this was an able, expert and constructive Report, which has been treated in an unworthy manner by the Scottish Office, though in fact it deserves special treatment? Will he see that it gets more favourable consideration?

Mr. Stewart

I do not think that could possibly be said. We have treated this Report with the greatest possible care. We have examined it with the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Labour and others, and we have reached considered conclusions. I suggest that those conclusions will bear examination.