HC Deb 29 July 1971 vol 822 cc778-9
Q5. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Prime Minister when he will next pay an official visit to Lanarkshire, Scotland.

The Prime Minister

I hope to visit central Scotland on 9th and 10th September. Detailed arrangements for my visit have not yet been settled.

Mr. Hamilton

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply and assure him that when he visits Lanarkshire the true picture will be painted for him of what the people of Scotland think of him and his Government. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Lanarkshire 8.3 per cent. of the insurable population are unemployed and that the sterling work of the last Government is now getting into a chaotic state because of redundancies? Will he tell the people of Lanarkshire that his regional policy is a disaster and that he will revert to investment grants instead of free depreciation?

The Prime Minister

My visit to Central Scotland will enable me to set out clearly all the additional measures the Government have taken to improve employment in Scotland and to give Scotland a sound basis for prosperity.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

When my right hon. Friend goes to Scotland in September will he take care to remind the people of what, admittedly, they know well, that the sole result of the regional policies of the last Government was the loss of 80,000 jobs in Scotland?

The Prime Minister

That is absolutely right and is well known by those who study these matters in Scotland.

Mr. Thorpe

Since the Prime Minister has indicated that during his tour of Scotland he will be discussing the merits of Britain joining the European Economic Community, and in order to have a fair and balanced debate, will he undertake to recognise and pay tribute to the warmth and sincerity with which between 1967 and 1970 the Labour Government pursued our application to join?

The Prime Minister

I always endeavour to give credit where credit is due.