§ 12. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent he estimates that the increase in the Bank Rate will contract social and economic developments in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclayIt is the Government's belief that this and other measures in the field of monetary policy will not inhibit sound and worth-while development in Scotland.
§ Mr. RankinIs the right hon. Gentleman telling us that our road, housing and education programmes will not be cut despite the Government's restrictionist financial policies? Will industry be expanded in order to absorb Scotland's unemployed? Is that what the right hon. Gentleman is telling us?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Gentleman, I think, is anticipating other Questions on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. RankinI am not anticipating anything.
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Gentleman will remember that last week I dealt with a number of Questions on this subject, and I do not wish today to add to what I have said.
§ Mr. John MacLeodWill my right hon. Friend assure the House that there will be no cut or delay in the Highland road programme which is so important for the economy of the whole area and which has been neglected for years?
§ Mr. MaclayI can certainly say that considerations which apply specially to Scotland are being very much taken into account.
§ Mr. T. FraserDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any need for a curb on the economic and industrial expansion of Scotland?
§ Mr. MaclayThe hon. Gentleman is trying to draw me with a supplementary question which I do not propose to answer.