HC Deb 26 May 1971 vol 818 cc359-60
10. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Trades Union Congress regarding the proposal that Portobello power station be converted from coal to oil firing.

Mr. Younger

I met representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress recently. They urged the Government not to allow conversion of the power station from coal to oil firing because this would have adverse effects on mining employment and morale.

Mr. Strang

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the repeated statements by his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regarding concern for the number of unemployed in Scotland will be hollow indeed if he decides to put over another 1,000 families on dole next winter on the basis of the flimsy case which has been advocated for this oil conversion?

Mr. Younger

As the hon. Gentleman knows from the Adjournment debate which took place last week, we have been at great pains to take views from all bodies concerned on the question whether this power station should be converted. I assure him that we are taking all these facts carefully into consideration.

Mr. Eadie

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the House will receive with some satisfaction the fact that he has firmly stated that his mind is not made up? However, is he further aware that this week the Scottish area of the National Union of Mineworkers voiced the great concern felt by miners, and that the situation could create a crisis of confidence in the mining industry? Will he act immediately in the interests of giving some confidence and heart to the mining industry by doing away with this proposition to convert to oil?

Mr. Younger

I can again confirm that no decision has been taken in this matter, and I was left in no doubt by the representatives of the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the National Union of Mineworkers when I saw them that they felt that it is not in their interest this should be done.