§ 9. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he now proposes to take to offset the fall in output of the heavy section of the steel industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayI am naturally concerned at the decline in steel production in Scotland which is due to a general fall in steel exports. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Thursday last about steps taken to increase activities which concern our export trade and industrial investments.
§ Mr. BenceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, with the fall in the output of heavy industry, notwithstanding the new slabbing mill, which takes only out-of-date equipment, there has been a campaign, in which the Government have played a part, for the diversification of industry in Scotland? Will not he appreciate that it is absolutely imperative, if we are to have real diversification of industrial activity in Scotland, that a mill which rolls strip, wide and narrow, is vital?
§ Mr. MaclayI am very well aware of the arguments in favour of what the hon. Member suggests.