HC Deb 13 February 1963 vol 671 cc1293-4
22. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the continued existence of large areas of derelict sites in the industrial counties; and what immediate steps he intends to take to encourage local authorities to take remedial action.

Mr. Noble

Most of the local authorities principally affected by this problem are in touch with my Department about possible clearance schemes. On the question of grant for this work, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. Hamilton

When do the right hon. Gentleman and his Government propose to inject a sense of urgency into this problem? Is he aware that the unemployment situation in Scotland, and indeed in England, is rapidly deteriorating month by month? What on earth stops the Government from making a decision now about increasing the grant available to local authorities so that we can clear these horrifying examples of private enterprise?

Mr. Noble

The question of the speed of increasing the grant is one for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it was to him that my hon. Friend made his request.

Mr. Hamilton

What representations has the right hon. Gentleman made, as the spokesman for Scotland, to the Treasury urging a rapid decision on this matter?

Mr. Noble

I do not think that it is normal for one member of the Cabinet to give to the House the recommendations which he has made to another member of the Cabinet.

Mr. Ross

Surely as Secretary of State the right hon. Gentleman has direct responsibility for the very look of Scotland and that this is something which he could usefully do on behalf of Scotland and to help with the problem facing us at the moment?

Mr. Noble

I have not said that I have not done it.