HC Deb 21 January 1970 vol 794 cc496-7
15. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the provision of the social infrastructure connected with the Invergordon aluminium smelter.

Mr. Ross

The provision of 600 houses, improved roads, increased water supplies and drainage, and more educational and social service facilities is proceeding according to plan. The wider social needs of the developing community are being specially examined by Ross and Cromarty County Council.

Mr. Hamilton

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. How many men are currently employed on the site? Is he aware that the Scottish National Party's economic wizard has said that this is one of the projects that Scotland does not want? Will he give his view of that opinion?

Mr. Ross

My quick reaction to that is that the kind of person who can make such a statement is the kind of person Scotland does not want. I am sorry that I cannot give my hon. Friend the figure he asked for but I will try to get it for him.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that there will be no morn State pubs up in that region?

Mr. Ross

This is a State management area and if there were no State pubs there would be no pubs at all there. I am sure that there would be considerable concern if that were to happen.