HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc242-4
Q5. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister what study he has made of the recent resolution of the Scottish area of the National Union of Mineworkers requesting the Government to introduce legislation to establish a Parliament in Scotland, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what reply he has sent.

The Prime Minister

So far as I can trace, Sir, no copy has been sent to me, but if my hon. and learned Friend would care to let me have any copy he has I would be happy to study it.

Mr. Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the mineworkers are not the only industrial workers in Scotland who deplore the lack of opportunity to take advantage of devaluation by increasing industries and increasing exports, and will he take the necessary steps to see that they have a chance to do this?

The Prime Minister

I am not sure that this arises out of my hon. and learned Friend's question, but he will be aware of the improving situation over the past few months so far as development area advance is concerned in Scotland. He will be aware of the great contribution made in this direction by decisions in this Parliament and of the United Kingdom Government as a whole.

Mrs. Ewing

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept an invitation from the Scottish National Party to tour Scotland to see for himself that this resolution of the Scottish area of the N.U.M. is in line with the strongest evidence that the people of Scotland are determined to have self-government now?

The Prime Minister

I shall be in Scotland on Saturday, though not at the invitation of the party which the hon. Lady represents.

Mr. James Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend recognise that the opinion contained in the letter from the N.U.M. is not the expression of opinion of the majority of trade unionists in Scotland, and is not the majority opinion of the people in Scotland? Will he appreciate that before he replies to the letter, when he receives it?

The Prime Minister

Not having seen the missive, because my hon. and learned Friend did not send it to me, it is difficult to comment on it, but I shall take into full account what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Prime Minister recognise that the area resolution of the N.U.M. is one more piece of evidence that there is a growing demand for a Parliament in Scotland? If he is not willing to recognise that, will he at least say that the Government Whips will not be applied to the Federal Bill introduced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Devon, North (Mr. Thorpe) when it comes up for Second Reading?

The Prime Minister

I think that we discussed this in rather more depth at Question Time two or three weeks ago. I have nothing to add to what I said on the subject on that occasion.

Mr. Eadie

Speaking as a miners' M.P., may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the Scottish area of the N.U.M. does not advocate the separation of Scotland from the United Kingdom? Is he further aware that miners everywhere believe in, and espouse the cause of, internationalism, and not nationalism?

The Prime Minister

I thank my hon. Friend for what he has said. When this document finally reaches me I shall study it in the light of all the advice that I have been given this afternoon on how I should read it.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Will the Prime Minister consider resolving this question by holding a referendum and allowing the people of Scotland to decide for themselves?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that that would be the proper way to deal with this question, but I have nothing to add to what I said when we last discussed this matter at Question Time two or three weeks ago.

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