HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc1227-8
15. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government are prepared to take themselves to establish research and other public services in Scotland in order to assist in the restoration of Scottish prosperity; and what inducements the Government are prepared to offer to potential private enterprise.

Mr. N. Macpherson

As regards research projects under Government con- trol, I would refer the right hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Members for South Angus (Sir J. Duncan) and for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) on 26th November and 8th December. Private research projects will be eligible for the whole range of benefits under the Local Employment Bill if they provide employment in areas of high and persistent unemployment.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the Minister say, first, whether the Government are really determined to restore prosperity to Scotland? If so, that must be done either by public enterprise or private enterprise. Can he say whether the Government are prepared to introduce more public enterprise in Scotland? If not, are they prepared to give sufficient inducements to private enterprise? Can he say whether there is any truth in the suggestion made this morning that the Government are prepared to give very considerable assistance to any of the motor car industries which are prepared to establish themselves in Scotland?

Mr. Macpherson

The Question asks about research services and other public services. I am afraid I could not reply to the last part of the supplementary question as I do not think that would be in order. As my right hon. Friend explained last week, the Government are anxious to give every possible encouragement to research, both public and private, coming to establish itself in Scotland, but such projects are not easy to find.

Mr. Woodburn

If the Government do not show an example, how can they expect private enterprise to do so?

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