§ 10. Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further discussions he has had with local authorities concerning major developments in the Firth of Clyde.
§ 15. Mr. John Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to implement the recommendations contained in the Metra-Weddle Report.
§ Mr. RossMy hon. Friend the Minister of State's recent discussion with the Clyde Valley Planning Advisory Committee is relevant, and individual local authorities will be consulted when appropriate. The Murco application is the subject of an inquiry, and an application to build a power station at Inverkip is at present before me. Further planning action on the possible developments covered by the Metra-Weddle Report will depend on the submission of applications for development unless any of the local planning authorities concerned puts forward land use proposals in advance of the receipt of such applications.
§ Mr. MonroIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that all hon. Members will wish this important development every success in the production of employment in Scotland and congratulate the Clyde Development Group on its initiative?
§ Mr. RobertsonWill my right hon. Friend undertake to draw to the attention of his right hon. Friends the fact that the Clyde is the finest deep water anchorage in the United Kingdom and offers considerable advantages not only for Scottish but for United Kingdom industry? Will he undertake to bring what pressures he can to have the necessary political decision taken to build the iron ore terminal on the Clyde?
§ Mr. RossYes. My hon. Friend thinks that this is a good commercial decision. [Interruption.] The attractions 451 of the Clyde are as my hon. Friend has said. Because of its attractions to industry and the prospects and possibilities, we thought that the right way to handle this matter was to get a comprehensive report into which we could fit individual applications as they were made.
§ Mr. GalbraithBefore embracing the precise details of this Report too enthusiastically, will the Secretary of State take a look at 19th century industrial development which has been so costly in socio-economic terms and be careful not to make exactly the same mistake of allowing industrial ribbon development down the Clyde?
§ Mr. RossOur planning procedures today are slightly ahead of those of the nineteenth century. However, I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern. It is a concern which I share, as does every Scot who values the unique quality of the scenery of many parts of Scotland. Those things will be taken into consideration.