§ Q.2. Mr. Strangasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Scottish Office and the Department of Trade and Industry on the realisation of Scotland's industrial potential; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The two Departments already work closely together to promote industrial development and economic growth in Scotland.
§ Mr. StrangIs the Prime Minister aware that it would be churlish not to acknowledge the significance of yesterday's announcement about the ore terminal at Hunterston? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, further, that if this investment is to make the maximum contribution to the Scottish economy, the Government must take a political decision to go ahead with a new steel works at Hunterston and to implement the Ocean-span idea? Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that both these developments are still on the cards for Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterI am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman said in his introductory words. He will recall that he asked me the other week to indicate that one of the three developments which he mentioned would go ahead. Yesterday, the British Steel Corporation and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State were able to make an announcement about Hunterston. This is of enormous importance for Scotland. When the Scottish Council saw me, its representatives said that one of the things that they believed would give most confidence to Scotland was an announcement of this kind. I hope that hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies, and the Scottish Council, will be able to use this to the best advantage to Scotland.
As for the hon. Gentleman's other two points, I can give him an assurance that both these matters are under consideration. However, the question of a steel works is not a political decision for the Government. We are waiting for the B.S.C. to make its final decision about the future demand that it will have to meet and the nature of the plant in which it wishes to invest.