§ 23. Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress about the siting of a new tinplate mill; and what reply he sent.
§ Mr. JayThe Scottish Trades Union Congress expressed the hope that sympathetic consideration would be given to any request by Scottish steel interests for support in beginning tinplate manufacture. Under the present organisation of the industry, it rests with individual companies to make proposals for such a development. I understand that no plans have been submitted to the Iron and Steel Board by any Scottish firm.
§ Mr. MackenzieShould my right hon. Friend receive such representations from the industry for a certain type of development of tinplate and galvanising in this country, may the claims of Scotland, and of Lanarkshire in particular, which has a very special knowledge of the subject, receive very favourable consideration?
§ Mr. JayYes, certainly, though I think that the main responsibility here would be with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorWould the President of the Board of Trade agree that a new tinplate mill would be a natural development of the highly successful diversification and expansion of Scottish industry which has taken place over the last few years? Would he at least give an assurance that the incentives he would be prepared to offer would be adequate to discount the effect of the reduction in the value of investment allowances approved on Tuesday?
§ Mr. JayYes, Sir, but, since a new tinplate mill is apt to cost about £100 million or more, we must be satisfied that there is a demand for the tinplate before we embark upon such a scheme.