§ 9. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Economic Planning Council concerning the future of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. RossAdvice given by the Council is confidential, but I can confirm that it has considered the future of the area, which is of course included in the development study of the South-West which was requested by the Consultative Group.
§ Mr. MonroWill the right hon. Gentleman accept that I appreciate the efforts of the Board of Trade and the Secretary of State? Can he assure me that all the stops will be pulled out to complete negotiations with those firms at present interested in the area?
§ Mr. RossIn so far as I have influence in this matter, and it is my concern, the hon. Gentleman can take that assurance for granted. Since its designation as a special development area there has been a considerable stimulation of interest in it, and I hope that we shall get some results in the not too distant future.