HC Deb 12 April 1972 vol 834 cc1242-3
12. Mr. Lambie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to report on the negotiations to establish an iron ore terminal at Hunterston.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

This is a matter for the British Steel Corporation and the Clyde Port Authority. I understand that discussions between them are still in progress.

Mr. Lambie

I am disappointed by that reply. It is the same as I have been receiving for the last two years. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last night Dr. Finniston, Chief Executive of the British Steel Corporation, confirmed that the development engineering department of the General Steels Division at Mother well is to be closed? Is he further aware that this department has taken part in the planning of the iron ore terminal at Hunterston? Does not this confirm fears which are being expressed in Scotland, coupled with the right hon. Gentleman's reply today, that the iron ore terminal will never be completed?

Mr. Campbell

I hope that the hon. Gentleman has observed during those two years that on 31st January last the corporation announced that it was to go ahead with the iron ore terminal at Hunterston. According to a report in one of the Scottish newspapers, Dr. Finniston said last night I am telling you that a £26 million ore terminal at Hunterston will be built.

Mr. Douglas

Will the right hon. Gentleman enlighten us about the work undertaken by the Hunterston Development Company? What plans and proposals have been submitted by the company for the development of the very valuable land site there? It is all very well saying that this is a subject for the British Steel Corporation to determine. but what about the right hon. Gentleman's own responsibility?

Mr. Campbell

The hon. Gentleman is right—this is a separate point. The Hunterston Development Company was set up with the assistance of the Government last year in order to carry out the necessary preliminary work before any major development at Hunterston. But a start on the terminal need not necessarily await the feasibility study commissioned by the company.