HC Deb 26 January 1966 vol 723 cc202-3
26. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now ready to publish his White Paper on the Scottish economy.

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir. I am glad to announce that the White Paper on the Scottish Economy 1965–1970 is now available in the Vote Office.

Mr. Manuel

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we are delighted that the White Paper is now in the Vote Office? Can he say whether the Scottish economy is now more firmly based than it was a year ago? Is he satisfied with the present rate of industrial expansion and that the expansion is taking place in the right areas?

Mr. Ross

May I amend my first statement? The White Paper will be in the Vote Office after Questions. There is a mood of confidence in Scotland and we have every reason to be pleased with the rate of industrial expansion in the past year. We feel that there is a further need for a broader advance in modernisation and expansion and I hope that my hon. Friend will agree that our proposals will meet the need.

Mr. Speaker

It helps the OFFICIAL REPORT if right hon. and hon. Gentlemen do not turn away from the Chair when answering questions.

Mr. Ross

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Noble

Is there any significance in the apparently new title of the White Paper? We understood that we were to have a National Plan for Scotland. It now seems to be a White Paper on the Scottish economy. Is there any significance in the change?

Mr. Ross

There is no significance in the change. The right hon. Gentleman will see that there is a sub-title as well.