§ 3. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received against his declared policy for dealing with Glasgow overspill; whether he will balance any complaint about costs against the necessity and desirability of securing a suitable re-location of population and industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Nixon Browne)My right hon. Friend has received no formal representations though he is aware that there are different views about the economic and social implications. Full consideration will be given to all views, but the overriding consideration must be that people cannot be condemned to live indefinitely under the shocking conditions in which they are now living in central Glasgow. Since the Report of 975 the Clyde Valley Regional Planning Committee in 1946 it has been known that overspill is the only solution.
§ Mr. WoodburnWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he would also keep in mind the desirability of combining his policy with the necessity of locating industry and population in areas which are now becoming steadily depleted and therefore relatively uninhabited?
§ Mr. BrowneAs the right hon. Gentleman says, this is more than a Glasgow problem. It is a challenge and opportunity for Scotland, and I warmly welcome the foresight and enterprise that are being shown by so many burghs and county councils.