HC Deb 16 December 1970 vol 808 cc1327-8
12. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State f pr the Environment what will be the effect of the proposed cuts in public expenditure on the plans of the Clyde Port Authority to build ocean terminals on the Clyde Estuary.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I understand the authority's plans remain unchanged.

Mr. Lambie

May I take it from that reply that the Government will provide the necessary finance to enable the Clyde Port Authority to start immediately on the iron ore terminal which the Secretary of State for Scotland has now approved? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unless the Scottish steel industry gets this terminal within the next 20 years it will fade away?

Mr. Griffiths

The hon. Gentleman is much better than I at looking 20 years ahead. We must await the port authority's proposals, which we shall look at sympathetically.