HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc1238-40
47. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Economic Planning Council regarding the proposed construction of an ore terminal in Clydeside.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ayr (Mr. Younger) on 16th July, 1969. There was a public inquiry between 17th November, 1969, and 13th February, 1970, into the rezoning of land at Hunterston for various industrial purposes, including an ore terminal. My right hon. Friend awaits the report on that inquiry and cannot comment on the physical planning issues meantime. No recent discussions have taken place in the Scottish Economic Planning Council.—[Vol. 787, c. 110–11.]

Mr. Taylor

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is a long time since the Clyde Port Authority offered to build this terminal at its own expense? Would he not agree that it is urgently required? Who makes the decision whether the ore terminal goes ahead? Is it the Board of Trade, the Scottish Office, or the Ministry of Transport? How many Ministries are involved, and who will sort it out?

Dr. Mabon

I am sorry that the hon. Member is so ignorant of these important matters concerning Scotland. Without planning consent by the Secretary of State, this development could not take place. The Secretary of State's decision can be founded only on the evidence given at the inquiry. But that does not mean that various points of view—some, by the way, contradictory, including some from the Conservative Party—on this issue at Hunterston do not have to be taken into consideration by the Secretary of State.

Mr. Rankin

Does my hon. Friend agree that with the tendency of the shipbuilding industry to run down in Clyde-side other industries of even greater importance would be highly welcome there to meet the coming deficiency?

Dr. Mabon

I quite agree with my hon. Friend, but I am sure that hon. Members on both sides will realise the difficult position that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are placed in, owing to the quasi-judicial function of our office. We are considering a public inquiry. Certain persons have laid objections to certain proposals, and these must all be considered properly. When the reporter submits both sections of his report my right hon. Friend can make his decesion. In the meantime, it would be wrong for Parliament to lead me into making pronouncements of one kind or another, however tempting it may be to do so.