HC Deb 06 December 1971 vol 827 cc927-8
25. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress and other organisations offering suggestions designed to promote the expansion of industry in Scotland; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. John Davies

I have had proposals relating to most aspects of our measures to promote the development of industry in Scotland, and I have undertaken to consider them carefully.

Mr. Ewing

Has the Secretary of State now replied to the Scottish Trades Union Congress after many weeks? Is the length of time which he is taking to reply an indication that he intends to implement some, if not all, of the proposals contained in that submission by the S.T.U.C.?

Mr. Davies

Yes, I had my meeting with the S.T.U.C. at the very end of September and I have been looking at this, coupled with the suggestions of a number of other bodies from Scotland as well in the intervening period. My hope at the moment is to be able to pay a visit to Scotland, to Glasgow again, towards the end of this month, before Christmas—perhaps on 22nd December—to carry these discussions forward.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many Scottish trade unions are concerned at the fact that whenever the nationalised industries consider reorganisation, this seems inevitably to result in the closure of offices, factories and workshops in Scotland? Would he keep closely in touch with the heads of the nationalised industries to ensure that Scotland's interests are not neglected?

Mr. Davies

I have always made it clear that to the degree that the Government are concerned with the activities of the nationalised industries, questions of regional policy figure very strongly in that consultation, and they will continue to do so.

Mr. Benn

How far has the right hon. Gentleman got in his consideration of the Clydeside Development Authority, put before him by the T.U.C. and supported by the Scottish T.U.C.?

Mr. Davies

This is indeed one of the issues which the S.T.U.C. has underlined in the proposals put previously by the T.U.C. It was a matter for discussion when the T.U.C. visited my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. This matter is, like the others that I have mentioned, under careful consideration.