HC Deb 05 December 1961 vol 650 cc1132-3
Q2. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Prime Minister when he received a letter from Kirkcaldy Town Council calling attention to the need for Government action to remedy the effects of the closure of sixteen Scottish pits; and what was the nature of his reply.

The Prime Minister

I received the letter on 27th November. The Kirkcaldy Town Council was told that the terms of the resolution which it had sent to me had been noted.

Mr. Gourlay

Is the Prime Minister aware that this resolution was unanimously approved at a specially convened meeting of the Kirkcaldy Town Council which, politically, is evenly divided? Is he aware that the town council's action underlines the growing apprehension in all sections of the community in Scotland about the future of Scottish collieries? Does he deny that he condones the apparent intention of the Coal Board and the Government to close the Scottish coal fields irrespective of the grave social and economic consequences of such an action?

The Prime Minister

That, of course, is a very large issue. With regard to this particular letter, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not think that I was guilty of any discourtesy in merely acknowledging it. I was informed that a very long, reasoned reply was being sent by the Minister of Power, and the town council informed me that it was sending a copy of that letter to the hon. Gentleman.

Miss Herbison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not only the Minister of Power who must be concerned in this business? Is he not aware that every local authority in Scotland is concerned, and that, if there are to be closures, we want alternative industry? Alternative industry involves other Ministers, and the Prime Minister is over all.

The Prime Minister

That process is, of course, going on. As the House was, I think, informed, alternative work will be available within travelling distance of their homes for the great majority of the miners affected by these closures.