HC Deb 15 March 1955 vol 538 cc1106-7
29. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to make a statement concerning his talks with the National Coal Board about manpower requirements in East Fife, and especially in the area of Glenrothes.

Mr. J. Stuart

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State had further discussions with the National Coal Board last week and will shortly be meeting the Glenrothes Development Corporation and the County Council to discuss future developments in the new townin the light of the information he has obtained from the Board.

Mr. Hamilton

Would the Secretary of State not agree that the sooner uncertainty in this matter is removed the better it will be? There is a great deal of disquiet in East Fife, particularly in the Glenrothes area, about the question of the manpower likely to be needed in the Rothes colliery.

Mr. Stuart

I am aware that there have been changes and that the date of commencement of production is being delayed by four years. That is the trouble, that the best laid plans do not always work out.