§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he continues in his refusal to implement the recommendations of the Cairncross Report.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Henderson Stewart)I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Member's Question on 27th October.
§ Mr. HughesIs the hon. Gentleman lodging an objection to my Question? Does he realise that the leading economists, sociologists and newspapers in Scotland praised the Cairncross Report? Does he not deem it worth another glance in order to do something constructive for Scotland?
§ Mr. StewartWe are always examining this question. I invite the hon. and learned Gentleman to consider the reply of my right hon. Friend, who said that the present policy which we are pursuing is sufficiently flexible to deal appropriately with the many varying situations which arise. That is true.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend aware that the reasons for the rejection of the Cairncross Report have given rise to considerable apprehension in Scotland? The Secretary of State suggested in his rejection that the policy suggested by the Cairncross Committee of developing industry in other parts of the country would automatically exclude the Development Area policy? Most people in Scotland see nothing mutually exclusive about the two proposals.
§ Mr. StewartIt is a very difficult question. We have examined it with the greatest care, and our view at the moment is as stated.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteDoes not my hon. Friend think that the trends indicated by the latest figures of development give grounds for active consideration?
§ Mr. StewartI assure my hon. Friend that our mind is not closed to any development, but we are not yet persuaded that this change would be wise.