HC Deb 03 July 1968 vol 767 cc1483-4
19. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now announce his decisions in respect of the recommendations of the Cullingworth Report.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

My right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot yet announce decisions.

Mr. Hannan

While I appreciate the complexities of the contents of the Report, which are now aggravated by recent storms, may I ask my hon. Friend to give an assurance at least that the White Paper will be published before we rise for the Summer Recess?

Dr. Mabon

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern and his point about storm damage. I know that he understands the difference between the Dennington Report, on which there has been a White Paper, and the Cullingworth Report. I cannot give an assurance, but I hope that we shall publish a White Paper before we rise for the Summer Recess.

Mr. G. Campbell

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, since a White Paper for England and Wales was published in April, it is very necessary to produce one soon for Scotland? Is he giving special consideration to recommendations 23 and 25 on the need for reasonable rents or for grants for repairs?

Dr. Mabon

We are giving consideration to all the recommendations, including those mentioned by the hon. Member. However, I should not think that these were the principal recommendations of the Report as distinct from those in the Dennington Report. I should have thought that the replacement of houses was much more important. I hope that we shall be able to issue a White Paper soon.