§ 44. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a further statement with regard to manpower requirements in the Rothes colliery in Fife, consequent on recent discussions with the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneMy right hon. Friend is expecting a report shortly from the National Coal Board of its revised manpower proposals and housing requirements at Glenrothes. This Report will then be discussed with the New Town Corporation and the county council.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the hon. Gentleman explain why there has been unnecessary delay in this matter? Is he aware that the opinion is growing in Glenrothes and the Development Area of East Fife that it has been deliberately withheld to stultify industrial development in that area?
§ Mr. BrowneOh, no. My right hon. Friend is very concerned about this position. There have been several changes in the target of population and in the starting date for the mine since 1948, and this has caused uncertainty. This uncertainty must continue, I am afraid, until the National Coal Board, which has had its own troubles, can tell us how many miners will be employed and how the build-up programme will be made.