§ 28. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from Scottish local authorities and other bodies about the effect of the Beeching Report on the Scottish economy.
§ Mr. NobleSo far, more than twenty local authorities or other bodies have made representations to me.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Secretary of State aware that he simply classifies among other bodies important Scottish associations such as the Tourist Board and the North of Scotland Association, which is being formed to deal with this matter? Is this not a very loose classification which he is giving us? Would he not agree that all these bodies are definite in saying that if the Beeching Report were put into operation, for the seven Highland counties and Scotland generally it would be an impediment to economic growth? Will the Secretary of State give an assurance, quite apart from the one he has given concerning roads, that if the removal of the railways is likely to stop industrial location, he will safeguard the position for Scotland by carrying out his duty as Secretary of State for the country?
§ Mr. NobleI made my position very clear on this mtter on Monday night. There is nothing more one can say at the moment, because these are only proposals.
§ Mr. GrimondWas the right hon. Gentleman's own development unit in the Scottish Office in touch with Dr. Beeching before the Report was drawn up? If so, what representations did it make?
§ Mr. NobleNo. My development department and department group came into the picture only after Dr. Beeching had produced his Report.