HC Deb 20 November 1957 vol 578 cc361-4
6. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Minister of Defence if he is now able to make a statement about the proposed abandonment of, or reduction of expenditure upon, the guided missiles project in the Western Isles.

12. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence if he will state the date on which Her Majesty's Government decided to establish a rocket range in South Uist; what was the original estimate of the likely expenditure; how much money has already been spent; and what economies he proposes.

Mr. Sandys

The Government's decision to set up a guided weapons range in the Hebrides was announced on 27th July, 1955. It would be contrary to practice to publish precise estimates of the cost of such projects, but it was of the order of £20 million. The preparatory works which have been carried out, or are in hand, amount to something under £500,000.

We are at present considering the possibility of restricting the scope of the scheme and I will make a further statement as soon as possible.

Mr. MacMillan

While appreciating some of the reasons why events, including Sputniks, have made this project abortive and out of date, at the same time will the Minister realise that it has caused the utmost disturbance to local people, that it has put some out of their homes and land, and some out of jobs? Will he now approach his colleagues in the Government Departments and ask them to be less niggardly in promoting major and very necessary schemes of economic development—projects of a permanently useful character and employing local people? Will he at least give them some assurance on that score?

Mr. Sandys

First, what I am now considering has nothing to do with Sputniks. Let me be quite clear about that. I, also, recognise the unfortunate effects of leaving people in a state of uncertainty, and for that reason I am doing everything I can to speed up a decision. I do not think it would be any good my making a partial statement on a subject of this kind, since it might create more uncertainty and more confusion. As regards the general question of bringing industry to the Highlands, though I must say that the first reaction to the approach of some new development in the Hebrides was not universally welcomed, this question is one which is always very much in the mind of the Government. I was glad that when I was Minister of Supply I had the opportunity to bring the atomic scheme to Dounreay, in the very northernmost part of the Highlands.

Mr. MacMillan

The right hon. Gentleman should correct his geography. Dounreay is not anywhere near the Western Islands. It is in the far northeast of Scotland. The second part of my question asked directly whether some kind of restoration of the social and economic life of the Uists could be arranged in view of the disturbance. chaos and confusion which has been caused. People have been rendered homeless and landless and unemployed. Now, apparently, the project is being virtually abandoned and the local people brushed aside, with no further help from his Ministry. Will the Minister do something definite, at least to restore the damage that has already been done?

Mr. Sandys

In case the hon. Gentleman, unlike myself, has not been to Dounreay, I can tell him that it is near Caithness. On the general question, I think I have spoken with sympathy about any disturbance of mind that may have been caused by the anticipation of changes of plan. I do not think we should exaggerate the disturbance in the livelihood of those people which has taken place.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that, if this gigantic white elephant was to cost £20 million, we all hope that his efforts to restrict this expenditure will be successful? Can he tell us whether it is true, as The Times correspondent said yesterday, that all work on the range is now at a standstill?

Mr. Sandys

I think that the hon. Gentleman should await the full statement which I hope to make.

Mr. Rankin

Is it at a standstill?

Mr. de Freitas

Surely the Minister can answer that question? Is the work at a standstill or is it not? What kind of defence planning is this? A few months ago these men were bundled off because the Ministry could not even wait for an inquiry. What has happened now? What is the big change? Does not the Minister know?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member who represents the Western Isles (Mr. Malcolm MacMillan) spoke with a great deal less heat than the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. de Freitas), because I think he understands the situation.

Mr. de Freitas

But the right hon. Gentleman is the Minister of Defence.

Mr. Sandys

I will make a full statement, but I do not think it is any good giving out litle bits of information here and there. Certain work has been carried out. If the hon. Gentleman will study my Answer, he will see that certain work is going on at the moment. It is not correct to say that everything is at a standstill.