§ 3. Miss Herbisonasked the President of the Board of Trade the causes of the delay in the commencement of the extension at Cummins Diesel Engine Company, Shotts; and when this work will begin
§ Mr. MaudlingDifficulties have arisen over acquisition of the land required, in the light of which the firm is again considering its forward plans. I am not yet able to say when work will start.
§ Miss HerbisonIs the President of the Board of Trade aware that this matter has been going on for a very long time and that there have been serious frustrations over the acquiring of the land? Should not the President of the Board of Trade immediately make a compulsory purchase of the land, so that work can be brought to an area which is badly in need of work?
§ Mr. MaudlingNo, I do not think that compulsory purchase should be 829 applied in this case. Here is a case where negotiation is going on between a firm and the farmer who owns the land, and I do not think we should interfere.
§ Miss HerbisonWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there are many hundreds of people involved as against one farmer and his desires?
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not think the fact that a person is in a minority means that he should be denied his proper rights.