§ 44. Miss Herbisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to meet the representations made by the deputation from Newmains to the Minister of State.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartA number of suggestions for providing alternative employment for some of the men who were employed at Coltness Foundry have been taken up urgently with the departments and authorities concerned, and my right hon. Friend will communicate with the hon. Lady as soon as possible.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the Joint Undersecretary of State aware that I have in my hand a letter of 21st January in which he gave me the same information. Is he also aware that the reply which he has given today strengthens my fears, and certainly the fears of my constituents, that Ministers at the Scottish Office are dealing in a complacent way with these matters? Surely I and my constituents had a right to expect that there would be some information available at this moment?
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Lady has no right to say that. There is no complacency at all. We are most anxious about the situation there. We have pressed forward our inquiries with other Departments, which, indeed, we must do, with all urgency. I assure the hon. Lady that any representations she cares to make to us will find us most sympathetic.