HC Deb 13 December 1972 vol 848 cc431-2
17. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will seek a further meeting with the Scottish Council (Development and Industry).

Mr. Gordon Campbell

On 8th December I had a very useful meeting with representatives of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) when we discussed the current industrial and economic situation in Scotland.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the right hon. Gentleman take cognisance of what was said to him by this non-political body and bear in mind that the chairman of the Scottish Council is very conversant with the steel industry? Will he particularly note that the chairman's view was that in the interests of the economy of Scotland it is of paramount importance that the complex should be sited at Hunterston? Is he prepared to say that on Scotland's behalf he will be the leader in the Cabinet to ensure that the complex comes to the Scottish economy?

Mr. Campbell

I took close note of what the chairman of the Scottish Council said, and I have been in touch with him. I must inform the hon. Gentleman that I am certainly leading the Scottish interests in making sure that we have a viable, balanced steel industry which can provide length of production for steel-using industries in Scotland in the future.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that the Scottish Council has shown a great deal of sympathy for the idea of a development body in Scotland financed from oil revenues? Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter further consideration?

Mr. Campbell

I think we have all taken an interest in a whole lot of different ideas that have been put forward, but that is not one which the council has specifically put to me.