§ 37. Mrs. Hartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to enable work to begin at once on road improvements in East Kilbride, costing approximately £625,000, for which schemes are prepared and professional staff available, and which would offer considerable opportunities for employment to unskilled workers in Lanarkshire.
§ Mr. LeburnThe outstanding schemes in East Kilbride are longer term than those my right hon. Friend has been able to authorise as making an immediate contribution to the relief of unemployment in Lanarkshire. He hopes, however, to authorise shortly a scheme costing £205,000 on A.776 between the Generals Bridge and East Kilbride.
§ Mrs. HartIs the Under-Secretary aware that this is just one example of the way in which the Government, by refraining from sanctioning public expenditure, are limiting the amount of employment in Scotland? Is he not aware that throughout Scotland there are cases where work could be begun—work which would give employment—if the Government were prepared to spend the money?
§ Mr. LeburnI have already approved 17 schemes for grant purposes for Lanarkshire. Their total cost is about £120,000, with £76,000 being grant, but we have to look at all the road schemes in Scotland in their proper priority.