§ 36. Mr. Hoyasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding the negotiations, in which his Department is engaged, for the establishment of a motor-car industry in Scotland by the Rootes group.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. John Rodgers)The negotiations have been carried a long way and my right hon. Friend hopes that they will be successfully concluded shortly. They are, of course, confidential and I cannot make any further statement on them.
§ Mr. HoyNegotiations have been going on for a very long time. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that only 223 last week, Lord Rootes, on his return from America, delivered a speech in which he said that the reason for the delay was the Government's action? Can we have an assurance from the hon. Gentleman now that there will be no further difficulties and that we shall be able to go ahead with this desirable project in Scotland?
§ Mr. RodgersI recognise that it is a very desirable project and I hope that it goes ahead. Rootes is in negotiation with B.O.T.A.C. and it is up to it to make recommendations.