§ Q1. Mr. Jayasked the Prime Minister what action Her Majesty's Government proposes to take to develop industry and employment in Scotland, following his recent discussion with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I am still considering the many far-reaching suggestions made to me by the Scottish Council at our recent meeting.
§ Mr. JayAs this was a very important deputation representing all sections of opinion in Scotland, are we not soon to have some positive results announced by the Prime Minister?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Scottish Council made it clear to me that it was primarily concerned with solutions of the longer-term problems, which we are studying and about which statements will be made in due course. In the shorter term, much has already been done—for instance, the Tay Bridge, £4½ million; minor works brought forward, £2 million; the gas turbine electricity station at Dunfermline, £1¾ million; MacBrayne ferry ships, £1¼ million; extension of the teacher training colleges. This is a start. Other schemes are being urgently examined.
§ Mr. RossIs the Prime Minister aware that the Patronage Secretary told an audience in Glasgow on Saturday that he had in his pocket a list of specific projects?
§ Mr. ManuelIt must have been his waistcoat pocket.
§ Mr. RossAre we to understand that the jobs are now out of the pipeline and in the Patronage Secretary's pocket? Will the Prime Minister tell his right hon. Friend that the people of Scotland are entitled to know whether he will empty his pockets right away?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that there is any difficulty about the many proposals which have been made. Some I have already announced—I have given the list—and others will be announced as soon the they are finally agreed.
§ Mr. GrimondIs the Prime Minister aware that there will be a great deal to he done after this winter in Scotland, for instance, in connection with roads, and that there is a great housing problem in Scotland and many other public works which could usefully be undertaken, but that if they are to be undertaken, it must be during the summer, so that the plans and finance available for them must be announced in the very near future?
§ The Prime MinisterThat was the purpose of bringing forward all these minor works which will no doubt be examined and announced.