HC Deb 06 March 1968 vol 760 cc429-30
26. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received to date concerning the effects of proposals in the Transport Bill on the Scottish economy; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

I have received representations from a number of firms and organisations. There has been a general welcome for the parts of the Bill setting up the Scottish Transport Group and providing for the various new bus, ferry, railway and other grants.

Earl of Dalkeith

Can the right hon. Gentleman deny that parts of this Bill contain legislative proposals which are probably more damaging to Scotland's interests than any legislation of the last 100 years? Will he show a little bit of strength of character and stand up to the English Minister of Transport before he drives all of Scotland's people towards Scottish nationalism?

Mr. Ross

I have heard the hon. Gentleman say that about practically every Bill for the benefit of Scotland which has come forward. It only shows how much of the criticism is hysterical, inaccurate and very, very exaggerated.

Mr. G. Campbell

Is the Secretary of State aware of the anxious concern of many industries in Scotland about both the two new taxes on lorries and also the quantity licensing proposals? Is he further aware of the estimates which they have made of the extra costs and delays which will be involved? What is he doing about it?

Mr. Ross

I think that I am aware of the anxious concern which has come to me in respect of some of these representations. I am not satisfied that that anxious concern is based on an accurate reading of the Bill. I think that we had better await the detailed debates which are to take place on the Bill which is presently in Committee.

Mr. Manuel

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the many misleading speeches and statements being made about the Bill throughout Scotland? Is he further aware that thousands of £s per week are being spent by the Road Haulage Association, with the aid of hon. Members opposite, which would be much more valuable if it went into the Scottish economy instead of being wasted in this way?

Mr. Ross

I am conscious of that. It is not the first time that we have had this on Transport Bills produced from this side of the House. However, I regret that no attention has been paid by hon. Members opposite to what I consider to be one of the greatest measures of devolution brought forward in the House, namely, the establishment within the control of the Secretary of State of the new Scottish Transport Group. No attention is paid to the new bus grants, to the possibility of further grants for rural services, and so on. All that we have is concentration on pure commercialism.