HC Deb 26 May 1971 vol 818 cc370-1
30. Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from industrial organisations in Scotland about the effect of Government policies on the level of unemployment; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

During the past six months I have received representations from a number of industrial organisations referring to the general unemployment situation or the situations in particular areas.

Where appropriate, my replies have referred to the Government's regional policy measures and to the measures proposed in the Budget to improve economic growth.

Mr. Sillars

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the largest industrial organisations in Scotland, thanks to his policy, is the army of unemployed? Is he further aware that the unemployed yesterday regarded his disgraceful decision in turning down the Chevron development project as a meaningful gesture of his disregard of their needs? Is he also aware that the unemployed people in Scotland are fed up with his platitudes and want to know when he will pull his finger out and give us some decisive action?

Mr. Campbell

At the time that the Secretary of State in the last Labour Government was rejecting the Murco application, a year and a half ago, I was pressing him to take action which would have avoided the unemployment that we have today. As for the number of jobs, the oil refinery would have produced 300 jobs but against that would have to be offset jobs in agriculture and damage to the local tourist industry.

Mr. Galbraith

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those who are interested in the long-term welfare of Scotland are delighted that he has decided to keep clear of oil pollution in the important recreational area of Hunterston and that they deprecate most strongly the heartless use of the numbers of unemployed for purely party political reasons when it is the Labour Party which is responsible for that unemployment?

Mr. Campbell

I am sure my hon. Friend is aware that even some hon. Members opposite have been coming to the same conclusion as I, that the steel industry is perhaps the most important consideration in this area. The jobs involved there could be over 12,000. Moreover, it has been said, and found, that a combination of a refinery and a steel works can produce some of the worst atmospheric pollution, and therefore a refinery might be prejudicial to the steel development.

Mr. Douglas

Would the right hon. Gentleman concede that the arguments he is using, relating to Murco and Chevron, are not valid? In terms of future industrial development in Scotland, would he give us a clear idea of the type of developments he will foster or assist in fostering at Hunterston? Is he aware that unless we get west central Scotland sorted out, the Scottish economy overall might be in jeopardy?

Mr. Campbell

The hon. Member seems to be unaware of the most important decisions taken by me as soon as possible after coming into office in planning questions on Hunterston, when I authorised, for planning purposes, an ore terminal and a deep-water port, paving the way for a steel works.