§ 3. Mr. Gordon Campbellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make an early official visit to Scotland.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. Charles Loughlin)My right hon. Friend and I have been to Scotland five times in the past 12 months, and we both have plans to visit Scotland at least three times before the end of this year.
§ Mr. CampbellIs the Minister aware of the great concern in Scotland about the difficulties facing the building industry there, especially in view of the liquidation in the last three months of three large well-known firms, all of which have been engaged in public contracting?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe are aware of the difficulties affecting the building industry all over the country, but I would not have thought that the industry's difficulties in Scotland are as great as the hon. Member suggests. I am not always sure that it is wise to refer to liquidations and bankruptcies and to suggest in such references that these are the cause of particular difficulties. These arise for other reasons as well.
§ Mr. W. BaxterWhen my hon. and right hon. Friends visit Scotland in the near future, as I hope they will, will they look at the suggested new prison for women to be built at Cornton, near Stirling, and give consideration to the fact that this project will cost £1½ million and, I understand, is to be built by borstal boy labour? Will he look into the matter to ensure that the interests of the building industry are safeguarded?
§ Mr. LoughlinI certainly will.