HC Deb 04 August 1971 vol 822 cc1573-4
26. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will next pay a visit to Lanarkshire and Bothwell in particular.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I have plans to visit parts of Lanarkshire, but no immediate one for Bothwell.

Mr. Hamilton

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, though I am disappointed that he is coming. Is he aware that his visit will give the people of Lanarkshire an opportunity to tell him what they think of him and his Government? They will let him know in no uncertain fashion that they are convinced that we are moving back to the hungry 'thirties. Will he at Cabinet level make a sincere and strong plea on behalf of the people of Scotland so that they will at least have some confidence in the Government's determination to do something for them?

Mr. Campbell

As I said when answering an earlier Question, I saw a deputation a few days ago from the Lanarkshire Development Council. The hon. Gentleman was invited to be present on that occasion, but for some reason he did not attend.

Later—

Mr. Hamilton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In reply to my supplementary relating to Question No. 26, the Secretary of State for Scotland said that he had met Lanarkshire Development Council. He led the House to believe that I was a member of that Council or a member of the delegation. I want to make it absolutely clear that it was only a delegation from the Development Council that was met by the Secretary of State and that I was not an accredited delegate. I should like the right hon. Gentleman to make that clear to the House.

Mr. Campbell

I understood that the hon. Gentleman, who is a member of the Council, had been invited to the meeting with the Council. But in view of his explanation, I withdraw what I said.