1. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now make a further statement on the proposed siting of an aluminium smelter in Scotland.
§ 37. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the plans for the provision of an aluminium smelter in the Highlands.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)I have nothing to 1316 add to the Answer I gave in the House on 6th December.—[Vol. 755, c. 1432.]
Mr. TaylorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing concern at the repeated leaks, rumours and wrangling over this important new arrangement and, as six Government Ministries now seem to have their fingers in this pie and several nationalised industries are also involved, would be assure us that he will cut through the massive confusion and ensure a decision soon?
§ Mr. Ross1 really have nothing to add, as I said. I am aware of the complexity of the matter, as the hon. Gentleman obviously is, and I can assure him that we will try to cut through the complexity and arrive at the right solution.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Edward M. Taylor) is so interested in this matter that he did not even attend last night's debate on the subject? Can my right hon. Friend say whether the possibility of firing such a smelter with Scottish coal has been excluded or not?
§ Mr. RossI can assure my hon. Friend, as he will probably have learned last night in the debate which he initiated, that all possible considerations are being taken into account in dealing with the proposals before us.
§ Mr. NobleCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that although the problem of what fuel should be used may be very complex, the single factor that this is desperately needed in Invergordon will be in the forefront of his mind?