§ Q4. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the continued increase in unemployment in Scotland, and especially considering the prospects facing the Scottish mining industry, he will now undertake to have an urgent meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress to discuss these problems.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The Scottish Trades Union Congress has recently written to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and sent me a copy of the letter. It gives its views on the measures called for by the present economic situation. These are being examined.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very great deal of concern about the future of the Scottish economy in general and the mining industry in particular? Is he aware that the letter which I received from him this morning about the particular pit in my constituency—Rothes Colliery—reeks of complacency, if not sheer ignorance of the mining industry in Fife, and Scotland generally? In the circumstances, does he not think that it would be a good idea for him to meet the T.U.C. leaders personally in the same way as he met the industrial leaders a few weeks ago?
§ The Prime MinisterIt would be best for me to leave this matter to be taken up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, in whose conduct on this I have complete confidence, and see how this develops.