HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 cc1350-1
14. Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the siting of an aluminium smelting plant in Scotland.

Mr. Ross

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 9th April to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol 762, c. 231.]

Mr. Monro

But does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we have been getting this type of reply for about six months? Without prejudicing the negotiations, cannot he be a little more forthcoming and tell us what is happening?

Mr. Ross

When the Government have confidential conversations with industries on projects as important as these, one cannot be forthcoming without breaking confidence.

Mr. William Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that neither the Norwegians or any of our E.F.T.A. partners will be allowed to exercise a veto over these very imaginative proposals? Secondly, can he give an assurance that one of these smelters will be in Scotland?

Mr. Ross

It is very, very easy to give facile answers, but we had better contain ourselves with patience. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government are fully aware of the interests of Invergordon and the whole of the Highland area, and they are all being taken into account. I trust that they will not be disappointed with the outcome.

Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is great anxiety in Ross and Cromarty over the long delay in coming to a decision, especially since Press statements seemed to indicate that there would be a decision way back in November? Would he do his utmost to ensure that a Government statement is made in the near future?

Mr. Ross

I appreciate that there may be anxiety. I hope and trust that there is confidence in the area which the hon. Gentleman represents, but he probably more than anyone else will appreciate from the discussion which he has had with me the complexity and implications of this matter, not just for Scotland, but for Britain as a whole and the consideration being given to the interests of people outside with whom we have certain links. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there will be no unnecessary delay.