HC Deb 22 December 1965 vol 722 cc2087-8
28. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to make a statement on progress in the reorganisation of local government in Scotland.

Mr. Ross

I have nothing to add at present to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie) on 17th November.

Mr. Campbell

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to make any real progress in this at all or is he going to allow himself to be overtaken by his right hon. Friend in England, which would be a pity because Scotland started well ahead?

Mr. Ross

I am not going to allow myself to be overtaken by any of my right hon. Friends in this or any other matter. The hon. Gentleman should know that circumstances are different in the two countries, We will deal with this matter in our own way.

Mr. Baker

Will reference be made to this problem in the Economic Plan for Scotland? When is the plan likely to be published?

Mr. Ross

Those are entirely different questions, particularly the last one.