HC Deb 23 February 1972 vol 831 cc1256-7
2. Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a White Paper on the general prospects for the Scottish economy for the next year.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gordon Campbell)

The Scottish Economic Bulletin published by my Department provides a review of the economic situation in Scotland, and its next issue is due in the near future.

Mr. Smith

Does the Secretary of State agree that it is time for him to issue a full statement on Government policy to deal with the deep crisis in which we find ourselves? Is he aware of the falling and desperate level of investment in manufacturing industry in Scotland and of the conclusions which have been reached by bodies such as the National Westminster Bank Quarterly Review that his changes in development policy are causing some of the fall in investment in manufacturing industry? Would it not be a great fillip to the Scottish economy and to those who propose to invest in it if the Government would set a target and set out their plan in black and white in a White Paper and thereby help to generate confidence?

Mr. Campbell

I disagree with the hon. Gentleman about the effect of our measures. He suggested a White Paper. However, the 1966 White Paper on the Scottish Economy, published by the right hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross), was an unfortunate example and a warning to all concerned because its forecasts proved to be wrong within a matter of months.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Does my right hon. Friend agree that such a White Paper might help to reduce the serious concern at present about the prospects of the Scottish steel industry? Will he again confirm that he will use his influence to further the proposed major development of steel in the West of Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is, Yes. The answer to the first part is that I have seen reports in the Scottish Press about what appear to be internal matters within the B.S.C.

Mr. Ross

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what he said about the White Paper published in 1966 is absolute nonsense and is in any case quite unrelated to this question? While he is doing nothing, institutions such as the British Steel Corporation are making plans which are creating considerable alarm in Scotland about future prospects. Would he do something about this?

Mr. Campbell

Yes, and I am.

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