HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc2078-80
4. Mr. Stodart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he gave to the deputation from Edinburgh Corporation and other interested bodies on the subject of the exclusion of Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello from the new development area.

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Board of Trade and I explained the Government's view that, having regard to the persistently low level of unemployment and to the rates of employment and population growth in the area, the Government did not feel justified in including Edinburgh, Leith and Portobello in the initial list of development areas. We undertook however to take full account of the points made by the deputation.

Mr. Stodart

Will the right hon. Gentleman take particular note of the fact that, as it is his intention to allow every single square inch of Scotland to receive a 40 per cent. investment grant up to the boundaries of Edinburgh City, that is certain to mean that new industries will not site themselves on the Leith dock-side? Is not that a paramount absurdity, after all the money that has been expended and all the work that has been done there?

Mr. Ross

I do not think so. We have to take account of all the facts. As I said to the deputation, I would be prepared to be persuaded if there were urgent reasons in relation to any relevant portion that could be extracted. The hon. Gentleman must make up his mind. He voted against these incentives, not thinking them worth while. He voted in response to speeches by his leader saying that we were spreading the jam too far. Now he asks us to spread it a little further.

Earl of Dalkeith

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that if we have to have his new system, which we think is much inferior to our own method of boosting industrial expansion in Scotland, at least it should have some semblance of fairness and not exclude one little pocket in the whole area from John O'Groats to near York by this penally exclusive treatment that he is giving it, and will he at least consider—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is getting too long.

Earl of Dalkeith

Will he consider including applications from specific industries which may be beneficial to the development of Edinburgh and, in particular, Leith?

Mr. Ross

I would advise the noble Lord to look at the planning review that was passed by Edinburgh City just the other week. It resolved that it did not want the urbanisation of the city, and envisaged the move of industry outwith Edinburgh. He and his hon. Friends had better make up their minds to tell the truth to the people of Scotland. They want other places left out. Does he want Berwick, East Lothian, Ayr and Perth left out, because we are spreading the jam too thick?

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that he is quite certain that Leith will not be included in his schemes, or can we look for some election bribe between now and polling day?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman should realise that what new areas will be in will be covered by a Bill. When we get that Bill, and if the hon. Gentleman is still here, he can use his powers of oratory to try to persuade me what should be in, and I hope that something can be done.

Mr. Manuel

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, owing to the continued efforts of my hon. Friend the Member for Ediburgh, Leith (Mr. Hoy), assurances have been received from the Board of Trade that incentives will be available in the Leith Dock area? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Yes, it is published. Read your papers.

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is getting too long, and I do read my papers. Mr. Ross.

Mr. Ross

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have been in consultation with my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Leith (Mr. Hoy), who is present today and will be back to take part in the discussions about this.