§ 32. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now completed his study of the Report of the Toothill Committee; and what steps he is taking to implement its recommendations.
§ Mr. MaclaySome of those recommendations of the Toothill Report which concern the Government raise issues of policy which go very wide and are still being examined jointly by the Departments most directly concerned. A statement on the Report will be made as soon as practicable.
§ Mr. WillisThe Secretary of State has had this Report for seven or eight months. Is it not time that this matter was treated much more urgently in view of the very serious situation in Scotland? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we are likely to have the results of the considerations?
§ Mr. MaclayI should not like to be tied to a definite date yet. I shall certainly say something about this very complex matter before the Summer Recess. The Committee made many recommendations, as the hon. Gentleman knows. A number of outside bodies are involved as well as Government Departments. While I shall not reply for the outside bodies, I must take some of their views into consideration.
§ Mr. ManuelWill the Secretary of State give the House an opportunity fully to consider the recommendations 1354 in the Report in order to assist him in implementing them?
§ Mr. MaclayI understand that there is every likelihood that, as in previous years, there will be a full debate on the Floor of the House on employment in Scotland under the arrangements which existed in previous years.