HC Deb 08 July 1970 vol 803 c651
11. Mr. Small

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to the appointment of business executives to provide assistance at the Scottish Office; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

This will be considered in the light of the general arrangements for the employment of businessmen to assist Departments, as they are developed.

Mr. Small

Is the right hon. Gentleman awer that the Prime Minister has already made an appointment, on 28th June? Is this new Tory task force for output budgeting, or, in view of business experience and industrial obsolescence, has it a rôle to play in the prevention of environmental pollution by assisting and encouraging new industries to avoid the hazards that we had in the past as a result of industry?

Mr. Campbell

The hon. Gentleman will have to await developments. Business experience is fortunately already available to the Scottish Office through consultative bodies, but we shall keep under review the possibility of improving the existing arrangements.