HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 cc1105-6
28. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what proposals he has for regional planning relating to Scotland.

Mr. Crosland

Specific proposals for Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Within the framework of the Government's regional policy as a whole, which is my responsibility, we shall continue our vigorous and successful measures to encourage economic growth in Scotland.

Mr. Campbell

The right hon. Gentleman will have to do a great deal better than the Government have done in the last two or three years. As the Prime Minister described the right hon. Gentleman as the Minister responsible for the Government's regional policy as a whole, taking over the work of the defunct Department of Economic Affairs, when will he be in a position to formulate proposals relating to Scotland?

Mr. Crosland

I suppose that the hon. Gentleman has to be rather shrill in his tone considering the repute in which the Tories are held in Scotland, as shown by the result of the Gorbals by-election. As to proposals for the future economic

Mr. Urwin

I am grateful to my hon Friend for reminding the House of the tremendous efforts made by the Government to build up the shipbuilding industry of this country.

Following are the figures:

development of Scotland, as I said in answer to a previous question, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are in almost continuous consultation on these matters.