§ 17. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further statement he is now prepared to make on the development of a new town at Cumbernauld as a result of his recent meeting with the representatives of Glasgow Corporation.
34. Mr. Mclnnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the outcome of his negotiations with Glasgow Corporation on 4th March with regard to the proposed new town at Cumbernauld.
§ Mr. J. StuartI am not in a position to make a statement until I receive the corporation's views on the suggestions which I put to it at my recent meeting and which I have since confirmed in correspondence.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Secretary of State aware that, so far as the overall deficit is concerned, his proposals are not very clear? Is he further aware that the corporation has now come part of the way to meet him in the direction which I suggested in the House on 25th January, and will he assure us that as the corporation has done that he will not now impose upon it the idea of unconditional surrender?
§ Mr. StuartI was grateful to the hon. Member for his Question to me on the previous occasion. It is true that the corporation has come part of the way. As to the handling of the deficit, I suggested that the receiving authority, the corporation and the Exchequer should each handle one-third, but I said, and I have repeated, that I am prepared to listen to alternative proposals.
§ Mr. McInnesIs the Secretary of State aware that within a period of less than two years every available building site in Glasgow will have been exhausted? Since the right hon. Gentleman has been handling the question of a new town at Cumbernauld for more than two years, will he stop monkeying about with it and get on with the job?
§ Mr. StuartI assure the hon. Member that my desire is to get on with this job, in view of its urgency, to which he has referred and with which I agree.
§ Mr. StuartI have not had consultations up to date for the reason that we have not yet reached that stage; but Dunbartonshire County Council was represented at the last meeting and is aware of what is taking place.