HC Deb 04 August 1971 vol 822 cc1569-70
19. Lt.-Col. Colin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has received from Scottish local chambers of commerce on their attitude towards entry into the European Economic Community.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The Aberdeen and Dundee Chambers of Commerce have both written to my right hon. Friend. The Aberdeen Chamber reported the results of a preliminary survey showing a high proportion of individual industrial firms in the North-East in favour of entry. Reservations were expressed regarding the need for safeguards for inshore fishing, about which Dundee also expressed concern.

Lt.-Col. Mitchell

Is it not a fact that of 170 manufacturing members circulated with the pro forma, only 35 replied? Does my hon. Friend agree that a 20 per cent. reply represents a very small proportion of the total number involved?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Equally, my hon. Friend must remember that these were preliminary results which the Chamber of Commerce thought it worthwhile to publish. If my hon. Friend looks at the survey he will see that those involved in the marketing of agricultural produce and agricultural machinery were particularly in favour of entry.