HC Deb 03 July 1956 vol 555 cc1156-7
53. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that high rates of freight charges from the north of Scotland to the large consuming centres of southern Scotland and to England make it difficult for Scottish industries whose products are heavy to compete with similar and comparable industries in southern Scotland and England; and if he will take steps to foster in the north of Scotland scientific and precision instrument industries whose ratio of money value to freight charges is more favourable than it is in heavy industries.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

As the hon. and learned Member knows, the Transport Tribunal is considering a new railway freight charges scheme. The answer to the second part of the Question is that the Government will continue to encourage all suitable industrial development. I am glad to say that a number of new projects have recently been secured for the Highland Development Area and the BuckiePeterhead area.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that it is noteworthy that so little has been done on the lines indicated in the last part of the Question since the present Government came into power? Do the Government intend to do anything on these lines before the next General Election, and if so, what?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I cannot accept the implication in the first part of the supplementary question. Three new projects have been secured in the last year or two for the Highland Development Area and three for the Buckie-Peterhead area. As to the future, I think that the evidence would be best read in the light of what has happened in the past.