HC Deb 01 December 1971 vol 827 cc430-1
16. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a Ministerial broadcast to the people in Scotland on 31st December.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Television time in Scotland is normally occupied with customary Hogmanay programmes on that date. But I made a speech at St. Andrews yesterday which was broadcast in Scotland.

Mr. Sillars

Will the Secretary of State not at least take a very early opportunity, before the old year passes, on behalf of the Government publicly to thank and consult the shop stewards and men of Upper Clyde Shipbuilders? Is it not a fact that had these people not been so successful in their fight on behalf of the right to work the Government would be facing an even more difficult and catastrophic situation than that which they will face on 31st December?

Mr. Campbell

While I would not accept all that the hon. Gentleman has said I would say that the co-operation of the men on the spot, led by the shop stewards, is essential for the setting up of the new company. This is going ahead on time. Let me at this stage say that it has been a tragic loss to us that the chairman of the new company, Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, Mr. Hugh Stenhouse, should have died so suddenly. He was a power-house in getting the new company going. None the less, his colleagues on the board and the chief executive are pressing ahead. The co operation of the men on the spot has so far been given, and I hope that it will continue.